Drip Irrigation Based on Soil Matric Potential Conserves Water in Peach and Grape

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Abstract
Drip irrigation of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch cv. Hermosa] and grape [Vitis vinifera (L.) cv. Perlette] was scheduled according to soil matric potential and water applied was expressed as a coefficient of class A pan evaporation. Water consumption by grape increased progressively from planting until the 4th year. A sigmoidal pattern of water consumption from budbreak through harvest was evident in both crops. The gradual rise of water consumption after budbreak was correlated with development of the full canopy, while a 2nd rise coincided with the final fruit-swelling stage and harvest. An intermediate period of steady water consumption was evident in the late-maturing crop (peach) while absent in early maturing crop (grape). Volume of water, as well as frequency of applications, had to be increased to maintain soil water potential within predetermined limits. At the period of peak requirement, tensiometers indicated rapid withdrawal of soil water and the necessity for daily irrigation. Estimates show a 12% to 23% conservation in water use by programming irrigation according to soil water potential rather than by pan evaporation.

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