S18 - Session P2 - Characterization of plot spatial variability for efficient irrigation management

Authors: Jorge Parejo, Sandra Millan, Eugenio Marquez, José María Vadillo *, Antonio Sanchez, Carlos Campillo Torres

One very important aspect, which complicates the efficient irrigation management of crops, is plot heterogeneity. Every farmer knows that his fields do not produce exactly the same on all its surface, but until these differences are characterized it is difficult to establish an adequate agronomic strategy. Crop development can be influenced by changes in soil characteristics, such as depth, slope, microclimate, irrigation systems, cultural practices, etc. These differences imply different water requirements in the different parts of the farm, which is a very important aspect when scheduling irrigation. Thus, the information provided by precision agriculture techniques can be the key to correct decision making. The general objective of this work is the application of new technologies to study the spatial variability in the processing tomato crop and to identify control points in the plot to evaluate the state of the crop system during its cycle. The study was carried out in 2019, in a commercial plot (14 ha) called "Finca Las Puercas", which is located on Don Benito (Badajoz). The plot is divided into two zones, in which three varieties of processing tomato (H1015, ENCOMIENDA and CESARINO) were planted. In one of the zones, irrigation was carried out at the farmer's discretion and in other zones, deficit irrigation strategies (RDI) were established. The spatial variability of the entire plot was characterized with a sensor measuring the apparent electrical conductivity of the soil (ECa). At each control point located in each of the varieties were recorded: water applied at each irrigation, leaf water potential (Ψleaf), BRIX and yield. The results obtained illustrate that a spatial variability study of the plot is necessary to carry out exhaustive monitoring of the crop. In the case of the H1015 and Encomienda varieties, the application of RDI strategies produced an increase in production with respect to irrigation carried out by the farmer.