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Irrigation data analysis of an avocado plantation

Otska Alexandra

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Summary

The common notion surrounding the production of avocados, is that they require a significant amount of irrigation water in order to have their needs met, which puts theoretical and practical constraints in the areas that could, otherwise, support the development of such crops. In the present dissertation thesis, the required quantity of irrigation water is being evaluated, in an avocado plantation in Chania, which is a region with semiarid to arid climate. The goal of this study is to assess the real needs of the plant for irrigation water and to compare them with the theoretical quantities suggested by various organizations. The deficit irrigation method was used and water was supplied around the tree using drip irrigation system. Using this method, we wanted to show that it is possible to use noticeably less water, compared to watering the entirety of the field. The study was conducted with the use of two different methods, which were, later, compared. To be more exact, the soil water balance equation was applied, followed by the utilization of the model, HYDRUS-1D. The outcomes resulting from the two methods illustrate that the advised theoretical volume is surpassing the crop’s water needs. Particularly, while the municipality and the ministry of agriculture suggest the use of 17 to 28 m3 of water/tree/season, the results of this study, showed that the required amount is in reality 5 m3. To conclude, irrigating the plant around the tree and monitoring the soil water moisture, the amount of irrigation of avocado can be reduced significantly because the water losses are minimized.

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