TITLE:
Determination of Young Olive-Tree Water Consumption with Drainage Lysimeters
AUTHORS:
L. Puppo, C. García, J. Girona, M. García-Petillo
KEYWORDS:
Evapotranspiration, Crop Coefficients, Irrigation Requirements, Olea europea L.
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Water Resource and Protection,
Vol.6 No.9,
June
26,
2014
ABSTRACT: Information about olive-tree irrigation in sub-humid climates, as in
Uruguay, is scarce. Water consumption of young olive trees, Arbequina variety,
was measured for two years with six drainage lysimeters, protected from rain by
an automatic rain-out shelter. Irrigation water volume and drainage of each
lysimeter were measured daily and soil moisture was registered twice a week
with neutron probe at four depths. Evapotranspiration (ETc) was calculated by
volume balance. Data periods when available water descended below 50% or
increased over 100% were eliminated, as those in which the stem water potential
was below -1.5 MPa. Water consumption values were averaged within 7- to 14-day
periods, expressed in mm·d-1, and referred to a
2.5 × 5.5 m plantation framework without vegetation cover. There was a positive
linear relation of the summer crop coefficient (Kc mid) with age, canopy cover
percentage and canopy volume. Canopy cover percentage was the parameter which
explained most of the variation of Kc mid, which ranged between 0.13 and 0.24,
with 5% and 46% canopy cover, respectively. Full irrigation, associated to a
good drainage resulted in a rapid growth of the young plants, bringing forward
the start of full production period. This represents useful information for the
adjustment of irrigation in olive-tree orchards, to accelerate growth with a
rational and sustainable use of both water and energy in Uruguay.