Rational Approach for Modifying Rotational Water Delivery Schedule

Abstract

An analysis of water‐delivery schedules is made based on a water‐balance simulation approach using a crop growth simulation model. Five rotational schedules of two, three, four, five, and six weeks were compared to an on‐demand schedule in terms of evapotranspiration, total water applied, and yield. Simulated yields for on‐demand and a two‐week rotation schedule are comparable. Longer rotation schedules resulted in yield decreases. Modifying the rotation schedule in critical growth periods saved water and resulted in minimum yield losses. The best modified rotation schedule produced 94% of the on‐demand yield.