A model for irrigation scheduling in Western Cape orchards

Abstract

TOP BAR A 1997 survey of Western Cape fruit producers found that few (about one in every five) used scientific irrigation tools or programmes and that there was a widespread tendency to overirrigate. This results not only in wastage of water, but also in excessive consumption of electricity as well as leaching of fertilizers and pollution of groundwater with potential longer-term consequences. With the current water resources expected to reach near maximum utilisation by 2012 and priorities for the use of water, under the revised Water Law Principles, going to eco-logical and domestic needs, there is growing pressure on the agricultural sector to optimise its water use. Moreover it has been established that the growth, productivity and quality of horticultural crops are closely linked to their water status, and therefore the management of water status is important to achieve optimal production and the high fruit quality demanded by local and overseas consumer markets.

Authors

Categories