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Principles and Practices of Irrigation Management for Vegetables

M. D. Dukes, L. Zotarelli, G. D. Liu, and E. H. Simonne

This section contains basic information on vegetable water use and irrigation management, along with some references on irrigation systems. Proper water management planning must consider all uses of water, from the source of irrigation water to plant water use. Therefore, it is very important to differentiate between crop water requirements and irrigation or production system water requirements. Crop water requirements refer to the actual water needs for evapotranspiration (ET) which are related to soil type and plant growth, and primarily depend on crop development and climatic factors which are closely related to climatic demands. Irrigation requirements are primarily determined by crop water requirements, but also depend on the characteristics of the irrigation system, management practices, and the soil characteristics in the irrigated area.

 


Credit: UF/IFAS Photography

 

Best Management Practices (BMP) for Irrigation

BMPs have historically been focused on nutrient management and fertilizer rates. However, as rainfall or irrigation water is the vector of off-site nutrient movement of nitrate in solution and phosphate in sediments as well as other soluble chemicals, proper irrigation management directly affects the efficacy of a BMP plan. The irrigation BMPs in the "Water Quality/Quantity Best Management Practices for Florida Vegetable and Agronomic Crops" (accessible at https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Agricultural-Water-Policy) manual cover all major aspects of irrigation such as irrigation system design, system maintenance, erosion control, and irrigation scheduling.

Irrigation Water Quality Criteria

Understanding irrigation water quality is critical for sustainability of vegetable production. In some areas of Florida, water quality impacts crop productivity more than soil fertility, pest and weed control, variety, and other factors. Irrigation water quality is determined by the following: (1) salinity hazard: total soluble salt content; (2) sodium hazard: ratio of sodium (Na+) to calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions; (3) water pH; (4) alkalinity: carbonate and bicarbonate; specific ions: chloride (Cl-), sulfate (SO42-), boron (BO3-), and nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N); (5) organic contaminates: oil pollutants; and (6) other factors such as heavy metals. Among these factors, salinity is most significant particularly in those areas close to the coast where salt content in ground water is frequently high. Irrigation water quality can be evaluated based on electrical conductivity (Table 1).

 

Table 1. 

Suggested criteria for irrigation water quality based on electrical conductivity

 

EC2

Concentration

(TDS)1 Gravimetric

Classes

Water quality

(dS/m)4

(PPM)3

Class 1

Excellent

< 0.25

175

Class 2

Good

0.25 - 0.75

175-525

Class 3

Permissible5

0.76 - 2.00

525-1400

Class 4

Doubtful6

2.01 - 3.00

1400-2100

Class 5

Unsuitable6

>3.00

2100

Source: T.A. Bauder, R.M. Waskom and J.G. Davis. 2007. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet #: 0.506 Also available online at https://dickens.agrilife.org/files/2011/03/irriwtrqalstd.pdf

1TDS = total dissolved solids

2EC = electrical conductivity

3PPM = parts per million

4dS/m at 25°C = mmhos/cm

5Leaching needed if used.

6Good drainage needed and sensitive plants will have difficulty obtaining stands.

 

There are two main issues related to salinity: short term, i.e., effect of water electrical conductivity on a particular crop and long term, namely, soil salinization. There is abundant biodiversity in crop tolerance to salinity stresses (Tables 2 and 3). Generally speaking, vegetable crops are more susceptible than cereal crops.

 

Table 2. 

Threshold and zero yield salinity levels for four salinity groups.

 

Threshold Salinity

Zero Yield Salinity

Salinity Rating

dS/m

Sensitive

1.4

8.0

Moderately Sensitive

3.0

16.0

Moderately Tolerant

6.0

24.0

Tolerant

10.0

32.0

Available online at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae091

 

 

Table 3. 

Salinity level (dS/m) of irrigation water for 100% productivity (zero yield loss) or zero productivity (zero yield) in vegetable production

 

Zero yield loss

Zero yield

Species

Salinity level (dS/m)

Beans

1.0

6.5

Beets

4.0

15.0

Broccoli

2.8

13.5

Cabbage

1.8

12.0

Cantaloupe

2.2

16.0

Carrot

1.0

8.0

Cucumber

2.5

10.0

Lettuce

1.3

8.0

Onion

1.2

7.5

Pepper

1.5

8.5

Potato

1.7

10.0

Radish

1.2

9.0

Spinach

2.0

15.0

Sweet corn

1.7

10.0

Sweet potato

1.5

10.5

Tomato

2.5

12.5

Turnip

0.9

12.0

Zucchini squash

4.7

15.0

After Ayers and Wescott, 1985. Available online at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae091

 

Also, different vegetable species differ significantly in tolerance to salinity stress. For example, tomato is relatively tolerant to salinity stress. At 1 dS m-1, tomato yield increased with N rate but there was no yield response to N fertilization at 5 dS m-1. However, carrot is rated as a sensitive crop. Root yield declines 14% for every unit increase in salinity beyond the threshold of 1 dS m-1. Therefore, irrigation management for vegetable production needs to be more careful. To avoid any accidental economic loss, before irrigating vegetable crops, irrigation water quality should be checked based on electrical conductivity with an appropriate salinity meter at least once a year, particularly in the near coastal areas. Vegetable growers may need to consult their extension agent to interpret the results.

Uses of Irrigation Water

Irrigation systems have several uses in addition to water delivery for crop ET. Water is required for a preseason operational test of the irrigation system to check for leaks and to ensure proper performance of the pump and power plant. Irrigation water is also required for field preparation, crop establishment, crop growth and development, within-season system maintenance, delivery of chemicals, frost protection, and other uses such as dust control.

Field Preparation

Field preparation water is used to provide moisture to the field soil for tillage and bed formation. The water used for field preparation depends on specific field cultural practices, initial soil moisture conditions, the depth to the natural water table, and the type of irrigation system. Drip-irrigated fields on sandy soils often require an additional irrigation system for field preparation because drip tubes are not installed until the beds are formed. Many drip irrigated vegetable fields may also require an overhead or subirrigation system for field preparation. However, sprinkler irrigation systems can meet different water requirements. For example, sprinkler irrigation systems installed in many strawberry production fields can work for both irrigation and frost protection. These systems are also used for field preparation and may apply one or more inches of water for this purpose. Subirrigated fields use the same system for field preparation as well as for crop establishment, plant growth needs, and frost protection. Subirrigation water management requirements depend on the soil characteristics within the irrigated field and surrounding areas. Sufficient water must be provided to raise the water table level as high as 18 to 24 inches below the soil surface. Water is required to fill the pores of the soil and also satisfies evaporation and subsurface runoff requirements. As a rough guide, 1.0 to 2.5 inches of water are required for each foot of water table rise. For example, a field with a pre-irrigation water table 60 inches deep may need about 2 inches of water to raise the water table to 18 inches, while a pre-irrigation water table at 48 inches may require 5 inches of water for the same result.

Crop Establishment

Vegetables that are set as transplants, rather than direct seeded require irrigation for crop establishment in excess of crop ET. Establishment irrigations are used to either keep plant foliage wet by overhead sprinkler irrigation (to avoid desiccation of leaves) or to maintain high soil moisture levels until the root systems increase in size and plants start to actively grow and develop. Establishment irrigation practices vary among crops and irrigation systems. Strawberry plants set as bare-root transplants may require 10 to 14 days of frequent intermittent overhead irrigation for establishment prior to irrigation with the drip system. The amount of water required for crop establishment can range widely depending on crop, irrigation system, and climate demand. Adequate soil moisture is also needed for the uniform establishment of direct-seeded vegetable crops.

Crop Growth and Development

Irrigation requirements necessary to meet the ET needs of a crop depend on the type of crop and growth stage, field soil characteristics, irrigation system type and capacity. Different crops vary in growth characteristics that result in different relative water use rates. Soils differ in texture and hydraulic characteristics such as available water-holding capacity (AWHC) and capillary movement. Because sands generally have very low AWHC values (3% to 6% is common), a 1% change in AWHC affects irrigation practices.

Water Application (Irrigation Requirement)

Irrigation systems are generally rated with respect to application efficiency (Ea), which is the fraction of the water that has been applied by the irrigation system and that is available to the plant for use (Table 4). Applied water that is not available to the plant may have been lost from the crop root zone through evaporation or wind drifts of spray droplets, leaks in the pipe system, surface runoff, subsurface runoff, or deep percolation within the irrigated area. Irrigation requirements (IR) are determined by dividing the desired amount of water to provide to the plant (ETc), by the Ea as a decimal fraction (Eq.[1]). For example, if it is desired to apply 0.5 inches to the crop with a 75% efficient system, then 0.5/0.75 = 0.67 inches would need to be pumped. Hence, when seasonal water needs are assessed, the amount of water needed should be based on the irrigation requirement and all the needs for water, and not only on the crop water requirement. For more information, consult IFAS bulletin 247 "Efficiencies of Florida agricultural irrigation systems" (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae110) and Bulletin 265 "Field evaluation of microirrigation water application uniformity" (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ae094). Catch cans can be used in the field to measure the actual amount of water applied.

Eq. [1] Irrigation requirement =

Crop water requirement / Application efficiency

IR = ETc/Ea

 

Table 4. 

Application efficiency for water delivery systems used in Florida

Irrigation system Application efficiency (Ea)

Overhead

60-80%

Seepage1

20-70%

Drip2

80-95%

1Ea greater than 50% are not expected unless tailwater recovery is used

2With or without plastic mulch

 

Fertigation/Chemigation

Irrigation systems are often used for delivery of chemicals such as fertilizers, soil fumigants, or insecticides. The crop may require nutrients when irrigation is not required, e.g. after heavy rainfall. Fertilizer injection schedules based on soil tests results are provided in each crop production chapter of this production guide. Fertigation should not begin until the system is pressurized. It is recommended to always end a fertigation/chemigation event with a short flushing cycle with clear water to avoid the accumulation of fertilizer or chemical deposits in the irrigation system, and/or rinse crop foliage. The length of the flushing cycle should be 10 minutes longer than the travel time of the fertilizer from the irrigation point to the farthest point of the system.

System Maintenance

Irrigation systems require periodic maintenance through-out the growing season. These activities may require system operation during rainy periods to ensure that the system is ready when needed. In addition, drip irrigation systems may require periodic maintenance to prevent clogging and system failure. Typically, cleaning agents are injected weekly, but in some instances more frequent injections are needed.

Frost Protection

For some crops, irrigation is used for frost protection during winter growing seasons. For strawberry production, sprinkler irrigation is primarily used with application rates of about 0.25 inches per hour during freeze events. Water freezes at 32ºF, while most plant tissues freeze at lower temperatures. Overhead freeze protection is efficient for air temperature as low as 26ºF-28ºF, but seldom below. For vegetable fields with subirrigation systems, the relatively higher temperature of groundwater can be used for cold protection. Growers may also irrigate to raise the water table throughout the field. Frost protection water requirements vary and depend on the severity and duration of freeze events, the depth to the existing water table level, and field hydraulic characteristics. For more information, consult UF/IFAS bulletin HS931 "Microsprinkler Irrigation for Cold Protection of Florida Citrus" (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ch182) and bulletin SL296 "Citrus Cold Weather Protection and Irrigation Scheduling Tools Using Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) Data" (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ss509).

Other Uses

Other irrigation uses vary according to the type of crop, system characteristics, and field location. Some examples include: periodic overhead irrigation for dust control; wetting of dry row middles to settle dust and prevent sand from blowing during windy conditions; and wetting of roadways and drive aisles to provide traction of farm vehicles.

Irrigation Scheduling

A wide range of irrigation scheduling methods is used in Florida, with corresponding levels of water management (Table 5). The recommended method (level 5) for scheduling irrigation (drip or overhead) for vegetable crops is to use together: the crop water requirement method that takes into account plant stage of growth associated with measurements of soil water status, and guidelines for splitting irrigation (see below). A typical irrigation schedule contains (1) a target crop water requirement adjusted to crop stage of growth and actual weather demand, (2) adjustment of irrigation application based on soil moisture, (3) a rule for splitting irrigation, (4) a method to account for rainfall, and (5) record keeping (Table 6). For seepage irrigation, the water table should be maintained near the 18-inch depth (measured from the top of the bed) at planting and near the 24-inch depth when plants are fully grown. Water tables should be maintained at the proper level to ensure optimum moisture in the bed without leading to oversaturation of the root zone and potential losses of nutrients. Water tables can be monitored with a section of PVC pipe sunk in the soil with a calibrated float inside the PVC pipe. The calibrated float can be used to determine the exact level of the water table.

 

Table 5. 

Levels of water management and corresponding irrigation scheduling method

Water

Mgt. Level

Irrigation scheduling method

0

Guessing (irrigate whenever), not recommended

1

Using the "feel and see" method, see ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/MT/www/technical/soilmoist.pdf

2

Using systematic irrigation (Example: ¾ in. every 4th day, or 2 hrs every day)

3

Using a soil water tension measuring tool or soil moisture sensor to start irrigation

4

Schedule irrigation and apply amounts based on a budgeting procedure and checking actual soil water status

51

Adjusting irrigation to plant water use (ETo), and using a dynamic water balance based on a budgeting procedure and plant stage of growth, together with using a soil water tension measuring tool or soil moisture sensor

1Recommended method

 

 

Table 6. 

Summary of irrigation scheduling guidelines for vegetable crops grown in Florida

 

Irrigation system1

Irrigation

scheduling component

Seepage2

Drip3

1- Target water application rate

Keep water table between 18- and 24-inch depth

Historical weather data or crop evapotranspiration (ETc) calculated from reference ET or Class A pan evaporation

2- Fine tune application with soil moisture measurement

Monitor water table depth with observation wells

Maintain soil moisture level in the root zone between 8 and 15 cb (or 8% and 12% available soil moisture)

3- Determine the contribution of rainfall

Typically, 1 inch rainfall raises the water table by 1 foot

Poor lateral water movement on sandy and rocky soils limits the contribution of rainfall to crop water needs to (1) foliar absorption and cooling of foliage and (2) water funneled by the canopy through the plan hole.

4- Rule for splitting irrigation

Not applicable. However, a water budget can be developed

Irrigations greater than 12 and 50 gal/100 ft (or 30 min and 2 hrs for drip tapes with medium flow-rate) when plants are small and fully grown, respectively are likely to push the water front below the root zone

5-Record keeping

Irrigation amount applied and total

rainfall received4

Days of system operation

Irrigation amount applied and total rainfall received4

Daily irrigation schedule

1Efficient irrigation scheduling also requires a properly designed and maintained irrigation system

2Practical only when a spodic layer is present in the field

3On deep sandy soils

4Required by the BMP

 

Soil Water Status, Soil Water Tension, and Soil Volumetric Water Content

Generally, two types of sensors may be used for measurements of soil water status, those that measure soil water potential (also called tension or suction) and those that measure volumetric water content directly. Soil water tension (SWT) represents the magnitude of the suction (negative pressure) the plant roots have to create to free soil water from the attraction of the soil, and move it into the root cells. The dryer the soil, the higher the suction needed, hence, the higher SWT. SWT is commonly expressed in centibars (cb) or kilopascals (kPa; 1cb = 1 kPa; 7 kPa = 1psi). For most vegetable crops grown on the sandy soils of Florida, SWT in the rooting zone should be maintained between 6 (slightly above field capacity) and 15 cb. Because of the low AWHC of Florida soils, most full-grown vegetable crops will need to be irrigated daily. During early growth, irrigation may be needed only two to three times weekly. SWT can be measured in the field with moisture sensors or tensiometers. For more information on SWT measuring devices, consult UF/IFAS Circular 487 "Tensiometers for Soil Moisture Measurement and Irrigation Scheduling" and Bulletin 319 "Tensiometer Service, Testing, and Calibration."

Within the category of volumetric sensors, capacitance based sensors have become common in recent years due to a decrease in cost of electronic components and increased reliability of these types of sensors. However, sensors available on the market have substantially different accuracies, response to salts, and cost. Soil moisture sensors are detailed in the publication, "Field Devices for Monitoring Soil Water Content" (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ae266). All methods under this definition estimate the volume of water in a sample volume of undisturbed soil [ft3/ft3 or percentage]. This quantity is useful for determining how saturated the soil is (or, what fraction of total soil volume is filled with the soil aqueous solution). When it is expressed in terms of depth (volume of water in soil down to a given depth over a unit surface area (inches of water)), it can be compared with other hydrologic variables like precipitation, evaporation, transpiration and deep drainage.

Practical Determination of Soil Field Capacity Using Volumetric Soil Moisture Sensors

It is very important that the irrigation manager understand the concept of "field capacity" to establish an irrigation control strategy with the goals of providing optimum soil moisture for plant growth, productivity, and reduction of fertilizer nutrient leaching. Figure 2 represents volumetric soil water content (VWC) at depth of 0-6 inches measured by a capacitance sensor during a period of 4 days. For the soil field capacity point determination, it is necessary to apply an irrigation depth that results in saturation of the soil layer, in this particular case 0-6 inches. The depth of irrigation applied is 4,645 gal/ac (equivalent to 0.17 in for overhead or seepage irrigation, or 34 gal/100ft for drip irrigation with 6 ft. bed centers in plasticulture) in a single irrigation event. Right after the irrigation events, there was a noticeable increase in soil moisture content. The degree to which the VWC increases, however, is dependent upon volume of irrigation, which is normally set by the duration of irrigation event. For plastic mulched drip-irrigation in sandy soils, long irrigation events result in a relatively large increase in soil moisture in the area below the drip emitter. The spike in soil moisture appears to only be temporary, as the irrigation water rapidly drains down beyond the 6-inch zone (observed by the decrease in VWC). This rapid spike in soil water content indicates that the VWC has rapidly reached a point above the soil water holding capacity and the water has percolated down to deeper soil layers. Between the end of day 1 and day 3 (Fig. 2), the VWC declined at a constant rate due to some soil water extraction by drainage, but most extraction due to evapotranspiration took place during the day. For sandy soils, the change in the slope of drainage and extraction lines—in other words, changing from "rapid" to "slower" decrease in soil water content—can be assumed as the "field capacity point". At this time, the water has moved out from the large soil pores (macropores), and its place has been taken by air. The remaining pore spaces (micropores) are still filled with water and will supply the plants with needed moisture.

 

Figure 2. Example of practical determination of soil field capacity at 0-6 inches soil depth after irrigation event using soil moisture sensors.
Figure 2.  Example of practical determination of soil field capacity at 0-6 inches soil depth after irrigation event using soil moisture sensors.

 

 

Example of excessive (over) irrigation of the upper soil layer (0 to 6 inch depth) moisture content for drip-irrigation under plastic mulched condition for sandy soils.
Figure 3.  Example of excessive ("over") irrigation of the upper soil layer (0 to 6 inch depth) moisture content for drip-irrigation under plastic mulched condition for sandy soils. Black line indicates volumetric soil water content using soil moisture sensors. Grey line indicates irrigation event, single daily irrigation event with volume application of 65 gal/100 ft (0.18 in). Dotted line indicates soil field capacity line. Arrows indicate rainfall events.

 

Examples of Irrigation Scheduling Using Volumetric Soil Moisture Sensor Devices

In this section, two examples of irrigation management of vegetable crops in sandy soils using soil moisture sensor readings stored in a data logger are provided: one example with excessive ("over") irrigation (Fig. 3) and one with adequate irrigation (Fig.4) using plasticulture. In Figure 3, the irrigation events consisted of the application of a single daily irrigation event of 4,718 gal/ac (equivalent to 0.18 in for overhead or seepage irrigation, or 36 gal/100ft for drip irrigation with 6-ft bed centers in plasticulture. After each irrigation event, there was an increase in the soil water content followed by rapid drainage. Large rainfall events may lead to substantial increases in soil moisture content. On day 2, right after the irrigation, a large rainfall of 0.44 in. occurred, which resulted in a second spike of soil water content in the same day. The following irrigation (day 3) started when the volumetric soil water content was above the soil field capacity. In this case, the irrigation event of the day 3 could have been safely skipped. Between day 3 and 6, no irrigation was applied to the crop. The volumetric water content decreased from 0.14 to 0.08 in3 water/in3 soil. Due to the very low water holding capacity of the sandy soils, skipping irrigation for several days could lead to unneeded crop water stress especially during very hot days or very windy days (when high evapotranspiration rates may occur), or during flowering stage. Between day 6 and 10, large daily irrigation events were repeated, exceeding the "safe irrigation zone", and leading to more water drainage and nutrient leaching.

 

Figure 4. Example of adequate irrigation management using soil moisture sensors for monitoring the volumetric soil moisture content of the upper soil layer (0- to 6-inch depth), on drip irrigation under plastic mulched condition for sandy soils. Black line indicates volumetric soil water content using soil moisture sensors. Grey line indicates irrigation event, single daily irrigation event with volume application of 943 gal/ac (0.03 in.). Dotted line indicates soil field capacity line. Arrows indicate rainfall events.
Figure 4.  Example of adequate irrigation management using soil moisture sensors for monitoring the volumetric soil moisture content of the upper soil layer (0- to 6-inch depth), on drip irrigation under plastic mulched condition for sandy soils. Black line indicates volumetric soil water content using soil moisture sensors. Grey line indicates irrigation event, single daily irrigation event with volume application of 943 gal/ac (0.03 in.). Dotted line indicates soil field capacity line. Arrows indicate rainfall events.

 

 

Figure 5. Crop coefficient of drip irrigated tomato and strawberry.
Figure 5.  Crop coefficient of drip irrigated tomato and strawberry.

 

Conversely, Figure 4 shows "adequate" irrigation applications for a 10-day period. In this case, the irrigation event will start exclusively when the volumetric soil water content reaches an arbitrary threshold. For this particular situation, the soil field capacity is known; the irrigation events started when the volumetric soil moisture content reached values below the soil field capacity (or 0.09 in3/in3). However, to maintain the soil volumetric water content in the "safe irrigation zone", a previous determination of the length of the irrigation is necessary, to avoid over irrigation (additional information about irrigation depths can be obtained in the IFAS bulletin AE72 "Microirrigation in Mulched Bed Production Systems: Irrigation Depths" at (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ae049).

The example in Figure 4 received irrigation depth of 943 gal/ac (equivalent to 0.03 in for overhead or seepage irrigation, or 6 gal/100 ft for drip irrigation with 6-ft bed centers in plasticulture; this irrigation depth was sufficient to increase the volumetric water content to a given moisture without exceeding the "safe irrigation zone". On average, the volumetric soil water content is maintained close to the field capacity, keeping water and nutrients in the root zone. For this particular example, there was no deep water percolation. In addition, with the information of the soil water status, the irrigation manager might decide to not irrigate if the soil moisture content is at a satisfactory level. For example, in day 8, due to a rainfall event of 0.04 in, there was no need of irrigation because the soil moisture was above the field capacity and the arbitrary threshold, therefore the irrigation event of day 8 was skipped. On the other hand, this "precise" irrigation management requires very close attention by the irrigation manager. For a given reason (such as pump issue), the irrigation was ceased in day 5 and it was resumed late in day 6. As a result, soil water storage decreased to a certain level, and if the water shortage is prolonged, the plants would be water stressed.

Tips on Installation and Placing of Soil Moisture Sensor Devices in Vegetable Fields

The use of soil moisture monitoring devices (volumetric or soil water tension) has the potential to save irrigation water application in a given vegetable area by reducing the number of unnecessary irrigation events. However, the effectiveness of the use of these sensors depends on a proper installation in representative locations within vegetable fields. These sensors may be used to monitor water table levels in seepage irrigation.

Sensors should be buried in the root zone of the plants to be irrigated. Most of the vegetable crops have 80% to 90% of the root zone in the upper 12 in., which generally is the soil layer with higher water depletion by evapotranspiration. For vegetable crops cultivated in rows and irrigated by drip tapes, the sensors should be installed 2-3 in. away from the plant row. For single row crops (such as tomato, eggplant, or watermelon), the sensor should be placed on the opposite side of the drip tape; for double row crops (pepper, squash), the sensors should be placed in between the drip tape and plant rows.

Sensors need to be in good contact with the soil after burial; there should be no air gaps surrounding the sensor. Soil should be packed firmly but not excessively around the sensor. In plasticulture, after the installation, the area above the sensor should be recovered back with plastic and sealed with tape.

Crop Water Requirement (ET)

Crop water requirements depend on crop type, stage of growth, and evaporative demand. Evaporative demand is termed evapotranspiration (ET) and may be estimated using historical or current weather data. Generally, reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is determined for use as a base level. By definition, ETo represents the water use from a uniform green cover surface, actively growing, and well watered (such as turf or grass covered area).

Historical daily averages of Penman-method ETo values are available for 6 Florida regions expressed in units of acre-inches and gallons per acre (Table 7).

While these values are provided as guidelines for management purposes, actual values may vary above and below these values, requiring individual site adjustments. Actual daily values may be as much as 25% higher on days that are hotter and drier than normal or as much as 25% lower on days that are cooler or more overcast than nor-mal. Real time ETo estimates can be found at the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) internet site (https://fawn.ifas.ufl.edu). For precise management, SWT or soil moisture should be monitored daily in the field.

Crop water use (ETc) is related to ETo by a crop coefficient (Kc) which is the ratio of ETc to the reference value ETo (Eq. [2]). Because different methods exist for estimating ETo, it is very important to use Kc coefficients which were derived using the same ETo estimation method as will be used to determine the crop water requirements. Also, Kc values for the appropriate stage of growth (Tables 8 and 9; Fig. 3) and production system (Tables 6 and 7) must be used.

With drip irrigation where the wetted area is limited and plastic mulch is often used, Kc values are lower to reflect changes in row spacing and mulch use. Plastic mulches substantially reduce evaporation of water from the soil surface. Associated with the reduction of evaporation is a general increase in transpiration. Even though the transpiration rates under mulch may increase by an average of 10%-30% over the season as compared to a no-mulched system, overall water use values decrease by an average of 10%-30% due to the reduction in soil evaporation. ETo may be estimated from atmometers (also called modified Bellani plates) by using an adjustment factor. During days without rainfall, ETo may be estimated from evaporation from an ET gauge (Ea) as ETo = Ea/0.89. On rainy days (>0.2 in) ETo = Ea/0.84.

Eq. [2] Crop water requirement =

Crop coefficient x Reference evapotranspiration

ETc = Kc x ETo

 

Table 6. 

Summary of irrigation scheduling guidelines for vegetable crops grown in Florida

 

Irrigation system1

Irrigation

scheduling component

Seepage2

Drip3

1- Target water application rate

Keep water table between 18- and 24-inch depth

Historical weather data or crop evapotranspiration (ETc) calculated from reference ET or Class A pan evaporation

2- Fine tune application with soil moisture measurement

Monitor water table depth with observation wells

Maintain soil moisture level in the root zone between 8 and 15 cb (or 8% and 12% available soil moisture)

3- Determine the contribution of rainfall

Typically, 1 inch rainfall raises the water table by 1 foot

Poor lateral water movement on sandy and rocky soils limits the contribution of rainfall to crop water needs to (1) foliar absorption and cooling of foliage and (2) water funneled by the canopy through the plan hole.

4- Rule for splitting irrigation

Not applicable. However, a water budget can be developed

Irrigations greater than 12 and 50 gal/100 ft (or 30 min and 2 hrs for drip tapes with medium flow-rate) when plants are small and fully grown, respectively are likely to push the water front below the root zone

5-Record keeping

Irrigation amount applied and total

rainfall received4

Days of system operation

Irrigation amount applied and total rainfall received4

Daily irrigation schedule

1Efficient irrigation scheduling also requires a properly designed and maintained irrigation system

2Practical only when a spodic layer is present in the field

3On deep sandy soils

4Required by the BMP

 

 

Table 7. 

Historical Penman method reference evapotranspiration (ETo) for six Florida regions expressed in (A) inches per day and (B) gallons per acre per day1

Month

Northwest

Northeast

Central

Central West

Southwest

Southeast

Inches per day (A)

JAN

0.06

0.07

0.07

0.07

0.08

0.08

FEB

0.07

0.08

0.10

0.10

0.11

0.11

MAR

0.10

0.10

0.12

0.13

0.13

0.13

APR

0.13

0.14

0.16

0.16

0.17

0.17

MAY

0.16

0.16

0.18

0.18

0.18

0.18

JUN

0.17

0.16

0.18

0.18

0.18

0.17

JUL

0.17

0.16

0.17

0.17

0.18

0.18

AUG

0.15

0.15

0.17

0.16

0.17

0.16

SEP

0.13

0.13

0.14

0.14

0.15

0.14

OCT

0.19

0.10

0.11

0.11

0.12

0.12

NOV

0.07

0.07

0.08

0.08

0.09

0.09

DEC

0.05

0.06

0.06

0.07

0.07

0.07

Gallons per acre per day2 (B)

JAN

1629

1901

1901

1901

2172

2172

FEB

1901

2172

2715

2715

2987

2987

MAR

2715

2715

3258

3530

3530

3530

APR

3530

3801

4344

4344

4616

4616

MAY

4344

4344

4887

4887

4887

4887

JUN

4616

4344

4887

4887

4887

4616

JUL

4616

4344

4616

4616

4887

4887

AUG

4073

4073

4616

4344

4616

4344

SEP

3530

3530

3801

3801

4073

3801

OCT

2444

2715

2987

2987

3258

3258

NOV

1901

1901

2172

2172

2444

2444

DEC

1358

1629

1629

1629

1901

1901

1Assuming water application over the entire area, i.e., sprinkler or seepage irrigation with 100% efficiency. See Table 4 for conversion for taking into account irrigation system efficiency.

2Calculation: for overhead or seepage irrigation, (B) = (A) x 27,150. To convert values for drip-irrigation (C) use (C) = (B) x bed spacing / 435.6. For example for 6-ft bed spacing and single drip line, C in Southwest Florida in January is C = 2,172 x 6/ 435.6 = 30 gal/100 ft/day.

 

 

Table 8. 

Description of stages of growth (plant appearance and estimated number of weeks) for most vegetable crops grown in the spring in Florida1

Crop

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Expected growing season (weeks)

Bean

Small plants

2-3

Growing plants

3-4

Pod enlargement 2-3

Pod maturation

2-3

 

9-10

Cabbage, Cauliflower,

Chinese cabbage

Small plants

2-3

Growing plants

5-6

Head development

3-4

  

10-12

Cantaloupe

(muskmelon)

6-in vine

1-2

12-in vine

3-4

First flower

3-4

Main fruit production

2-3

Late fruit production

2-3

11-12

Carrot

Small plants

1-2

Growing plants

3-4

Root development

5-7

Final growth

1-2

 

10-13

Cucumber

6-in vine

1-2

12-in vine

2-3

Fruit production

6-7

Late season

1-2

 

10-12

Eggplant

Small plants

2-3

Growing plants

2-3

Fruit production

6-7

Late season

2-3

 

12-13

Potato

Small plants

(after hilling)

2-4

Large plants

(vegetative growth)

4-6

First flower (tube initiation and bulking)

3-5

Maturation (top dies)

2-4

 

12-14

Okra

Small plants

2-3

Growing plants

2-3

Pod production

7-8

Late season

1-2

 

12-13

Onion

 

Growing plants

4-5

Bulb development

6-8

Maturation (top falls)

1-2

 

13-16

Pepper

Small plants

2-3

Growing plants

2-3

Pod production

7-8

Last bloom

1-2

Last harvest

1

13-15

Pumpkin

(bush)

Small plants

2-3

First flower

2-3

Fruit enlargement

5-6

Harvest

1-2

 

9-11

Pumpkin

(vining)

6-in vines

2-3

12-in vines

2-3

Small fruit

3-4

Large fruit

2-3

Harvest 1-2

13-15

Radish

Small plants

1-2

Rapid growth

2-4

   

3-5

Strawberry

Young plants

October

Growing plants

November

Early harvest

December-January

Main harvest period

February-March

Late harvest

April

23-30

Summer Squash (crookneck, straight- neck, zucchini

Small plants

1-2

Growing plants

2-3

Fruit production

3-4

Late fruit production

1

 

7-9

Sweet corn

Small plants

3-4

Large plants

5-8

Ear development

2-3

  

10-15

Sweet Potato

Early vine growth

2-3

Expanding vines

5-6

Storage root enlargement

6-10

 

Late season

13-17

Tomato

Small plants

2-3

1st bloom

2-3

2nd-3rd bloom

6-7

Harvest

1-2

Late harvest

1-2

12-14

Watermelon

6-in vines

2-3

12-in vines

2-3

Small fruit

3-4

Large fruit

2-3

Harvest 1-2

13-15

1Same growth stages used for irrigation and fertilizer schedules; for South Florida, each stage may be 30% longer because of winter planting during short days.

 

 

Table 9. 

Crop coefficient estimates for use with the ETo values in Table 6 and growth stages in Table 7 for unmulched crops. (Actual values will vary with time of planting, soil conditions, cultural conditions, length of growing season and other site-specific factors)

Crop

Growth Stage

Crop Coefficient1

All field-grown vegetables

1

2

0.202 to 0.403

Stage 14 value to Stage 3 value

(See Figure 3-3)

Legumes: sandbean,

lima bean, and southernpea

3

4

0.955

0.855

Beet

3

4

1.00

0.90

Cole crops:

Broccoli, brussels sprouts

cabbage, cauliflower,

Collards, kale, mustard,

turnip

3

4

3

4

0.95

0.805

0.905

1.005

Carrot

3

4

1.00

0.70

Celery

3

4

1.00

0.90

Cucurbits: cucumber,

cantaloupe, pumpkin,

squash, watermelon

3

4

0.90

0.70

Lettuce: endive,

escarole

3

4

0.95

0.90

Okra

3

4

1.005

0.905

Onion (dry)

3

4

0.95

0.75

Onion (green)

3 and 4

0.95

Parsley

3

1.005

Potato

3

4

1.10

0.70

Radish

3

4

0.80

0.75

Spinach

3

4

0.95

0.90

Sweet corn

3

4

1.10

1.00

Sweet Potato

3

4

1.105

0.705

1Adapted from Doorenbos, J., and Pruitt, W. O. 1977. Crop water requirements. Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 24, (rev.) FAO, Rome and Allen, R.G., L.S.Pereira, D. Raes, and M. Smith. 1998. Crop evapotranspiration: Guidelines for computing crop water requirements Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.

2Low plant population; wide row spacing

3High plant population; close row spacing

40.30 or Kc value from Stage 1

5Values estimated from similar crops

 

Soil Water Holding Capacity and the Need to Split Irrigations

Appropriate irrigation scheduling and matching irrigation amounts with the water holding capacity of the effective root zone may help minimize the incidence of excess leaching associated with over-irrigation. In Florida sandy soils, the amount of water that can be stored in the root zone and be available to the plants is limited. Usually, it is assumed that approximately 0.75 in. of water can be stored in every foot of the root zone. Only half of that should be used before next irrigation to avoid plant stress and yield reduction (this will help maintain SWT below 15 cb). Any additional water will be lost by deep percolation below the root zone.

Table 11 gives approximate amount of water that can be applied at each event in Florida sandy soil under different production systems. When the calculated volume of water to be applied in one day exceeds the values in Table 10, then it is necessary to split applications. The number of split irrigations can be determined by dividing the irrigation requirement (Eq. [1]) by the numbers in Table 11, and rounding up the result to the nearest whole number. Splitting irrigation reduces both risks of water loss through deep percolation and nutrient leaching. Sandy soil with the available water holding capacity of 0.75 in/ft was assumed in these calculations. If a soil contains more clay or organic matter the amount of water applied during one irrigation event and stored in the root zone can be increased. It is recommended to check the depth of wetting after irrigation to assure that the water is not lost from the roots by digging out a perpendicular profile to the drip line and observing the wetted pattern.

 

Table 10. 

Crop coefficient estimates (Kc) for use with ETo values in Table 6 and growth stages in Table 7 for selected crops grown in a plasticulture system1

Crop

Growth Stage

Crop Coefficient (Kc)

Cantaloupe1

1

2

3

4

5

0.35

0.6

0.85

0.85

0.85

Cucumber1

1

2

3

4

0.25

0.5

0.9

0.75

Summer squash1

1

2

3

4

0.3

0.55

0.9

0.8

Strawberry

(4-ft bed centers)2

1

2

3

4

5

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.8

0.8

Tomato

(6-ft bed centers)3

1

2

3

4

5

0.4

0.75

1.0

1.0

0.85

Watermelon

(8-ft bed center)1

1

2

3

4

5

0.3

0.5

0.7

0.9

0.8

1Adapted from Tables 12 and 25 in Allen, R.G., L.S.Pereira, D. Raes, and M. Smith. 1998. Crop evapotranspiration: guidelines for computing crop water requirements Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.

2Adapted from Clark et al. 1993. Water Requirements and Crop Coefficients for Tomato Production in Southwest Florida. Southwest Florida Water Management District, Brandon, FL.

3Adapted from Clark et al. 1996. Water requirements and crop coefficients of drip-irrigated strawberry plants. Transactions of the ASAE 39:905-913.

 

 

Table 11. 

Maximum water application (in gallons per acre and in gallons/100 lbf) in one irrigation event for various production systems on sandy soil (available water holding capacity 0.75 in/ft and 50% soil water depletion). Split irrigations may be required during peak water requirement

Wetting width (ft)

Gal/100ft to wet depth of 1 ft

Gal/100ft to wet depth of 1.5 ft

Gal/100ft to wet depth of 2 ft

Bed spacing (ft)

Vegetable crop

Bed length (100 lbf/a)

Gal/acre to wet depth of 1 ft

Gal/acre to wet depth of 1.5 ft

Gal/acre to wet depth of 2 ft

1.0

24

36

48

4

Lettuce, strawberry

109

2,600

3,800

5,100

5

Cantaloupe

87

2,100

3,100

4,100

6

Broccoli, okra, cabbage, pepper, cauliflower, summer squash, pumpkin (bush), eggplant, tomato

73

1,700

2,600

3,500

8

Watermelon, pumpkin (vining)

55

1,300

1,900

2,600

1.5

36

54

72

4

Lettuce, strawberry

109

3,800

5,800

7,600

5

Muskmelon

87

3,100

4,700

6,200

6

Broccoli, okra, cabbage, pepper, cauliflower, summer squash, pumpkin (bush), eggplant, tomato

73

2,600

3,900

5,200

8

Watermelon, pumpkin (vining)

55

1,900

3,000

3,900

 

Example

As an example, consider drip irrigated tomatoes on 6-ft center beds, grown under a plastic mulch production system in central west Florida (sandy soils). For plants in growth Stage 5 the crop coefficient is 0.85 (Table 10). If this period of growth occurred in May, the corresponding ETo value is 4,914 gal/ac/day (Table 7). Daily crop water use would be estimated as:

ETcrop = (0.85) x (4,914 gal/ac/day) = 4,177 gal/ac/day

If the drip irrigation system can apply water to the root zone of the crop with an application efficiency of 85%, the irrigation requirement would be

Irrigation Requirement = (4,177 gal/ac/day) / (0.80) = 5,221 gal/ac/day

If the maximum water application in one irrigation event for this type of soil is 1,700 gal/ac/irrigation, then the irrigation will have to be split:

Number of events = (5,221 gal/acre/day) / (1,700 gal/acre/day/irrigation event) = 3.1, rounded up to 4 irrigation events each of 5,221 / 4 = 1,305 gal/acre

Therefore, in this example, four irrigations of 1,305 gal/ac each will be needed to replace ETc, and not exceed the soil water holding capacity. This amount of water would be a good estimate for scheduling purposes under average growth and average May climatic conditions. However, field moisture plant status should also be monitored to determine if irrigation levels need to be increased or reduced. While deficit irrigation will reduce fruit size and plant growth, excessive irrigation may leach nutrients from the active root system. This may also reduce plant growth.

Publication #AE260

Release Date:August 23rd, 2021

Related Experts

Zotarelli, Lincoln

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Simonne, Eric H.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Dukes, Michael D.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Liu, Guodong

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Related Topics

  • Critical Issue: Water Quality and Conservation
Fact Sheet

About this Publication

This document is AE260, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date June 1995. Revised January 2012. Reviewed May 2021. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

M. D. Dukes, professor; L. Zotarelli, assistant professor, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department; G. D. Liu, assistant professor; and E. H. Simonne, professor, Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Michael Dukes