Irrigation scheduling based on stress coefficient (Ks) estimations in two different peach cultivars

In the era of global climate change, the accurate estimation of plant water needs is considered crucial for sustainable agricultural production.
Central Macedonia is the main peach growing area in Greece producing high-quality fruits.
However, due to the high evaporative demand during the summer period, a well-evaluated irrigation scheduling strategy is needed, capable to apply the proper amount of irrigation water at the right time, thus preventing a significant reduction in crop yield.
In this frame, the ability to monitor the onset and water stress intensity could be essential for the implementation of an effective irrigation strategy.
Water stress can be quantified by stress coefficient (Ks), which according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) could be estimated based on soil properties.
Improvement of the Ks estimations based on ‘in situ’ collected data of both hydrological and ecophysiological parameters has already been proposed.
In the present study, the new methodology of Ks estimation was evaluated in two different peach cultivars grown under different soil conditions.
The results indicate that the proposed adjusted method could better determine the onset and the intensity of water stress compared to the FAO method.

X International Peach Symposium

E. Kokkotos, A. Zotos, A. Patakas, P. Louka, N. Kalatzis

peach, water stress, drought, irrigation stress coefficient

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2022.1352.75