Irrigation Strategies with Controlled Water Deficit in Two Production Cycles of Cotton

Abstract

Water scarcity is one of the main abiotic factors that limit agricultural production. In this sense, the identification of genotypes tolerant to water deficit associated with irrigation management strategies is extremely important. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the morphology, production, water consumption, and water use efficiency of colored fiber cotton genotypes submitted to irrigation strategies with a water deficit in the phenological phases. Two experiments were conducted in succession. In the first experiment, a randomized block design was used in a 3 × 7 factorial scheme, corresponding to three colored cotton genotypes (BRS Rubi, BRS Jade, and BRS Safira) in seven irrigation management strategies with 40% of the real evapotranspiration (ETr) varying the phenological stages. In the second experiment, the same design was used in a 3 × 10 factorial arrangement (genotypes × irrigation management strategies). The water deficit in the vegetative phase can be used in the first year of cotton cultivation. Among the genotypes, ‘BRS Jade’ is the most tolerant to water deficit in terms of phytomass accumulation and fiber production.

Deficit Irrigation Effects on Cotton Growth Cycle and Preliminary Optimization of Irrigation Strategies in Arid Environment

“…Although the effects of a regulated deficit irrigation on crops has been studied, the results were limited [18,19,37]. There was still a need to improve the applicability of RDI in arid areas.…”

“…The results of this study would help to improve the implementation and application of this water-saving technology. Although the effects of a regulated deficit irrigation on crops has been studied, the results were limited [18,19,37]. There was still a need to improve the applicability of RDI in arid areas.…”

“…Furthermore, it is crucial to adopt appropriate irrigation strategies and optimize the yield with respect to available water quantity for production under conditions of water scarcity [37,52]. To further explore the possibility of reducing irrigation costs and to promote sustainable agricultural development, the irrigation times and amount during the flowering and boll setting stage were studied by using the DSSAT model.…”