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Operational Precise Irrigation for Cotton Cultivation through the Coupling of Meteorological and Crop Growth Models

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Abstract

In this paper, we tested the operational capacity of an interoperable model coupling system for the irrigation scheduling (IMCIS) at an experimental cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) field in Northern Greece. IMCIS comprises a meteorological model (TAPM), downscaled at field level, and a water-driven cultivation tool (AquaCrop), to optimize irrigation and enhance crop growth and yield. Both models were evaluated through on-site observations of meteorological variables, soil moisture levels and canopy cover progress. Based on irrigation management (deficit, precise and farmer’s practice) and method (drip and sprinkler), the field was divided into six sub-plots. Prognostic meteorological model results exhibited satisfactory agreement in most parameters affecting ETo, simulating adequately the soil water balance. Precipitation events were fairly predicted, although rainfall depths needed further adjustment. Soil water content levels computed by the crop growth model followed the trend of soil humidity measurements, while the canopy cover patterns and the seed cotton yield were well predicted, especially at the drip irrigated plots. Overall, the system exhibited robustness and good predicting ability for crop water needs, based on local evapotranspiration forecasts and crop phenological stages. The comparison of yield and irrigation levels at all sub-plots revealed that drip irrigation under IMCIS guidance could achieve the same yield levels as traditional farmer’s practice, utilizing approximately 32% less water, thus raising water productivity up to 0.96 kg/m3.

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Acknowledgements

The research leading to these results received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Program (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement 311903 - FIGARO (Flexible and Precise Irrigation Platform to Improve Farm-Scale Water Productivity (http://www.figaro-irrigation.net/). Authors wish to thank Pioneer Hi-Bred Hellas for providing the cotton seeds for this experiment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Ecological Engineering & Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100, Xanthi, Greece

    I. Tsakmakis, N. Kokkos, V. Pisinaras, V. Papaevangelou, G.D. Gikas, S. Zoras, V. Evagelopoulos & G. Sylaios

  2. Hellenic Agricultural Organization, Soil and Water Resources Institute, 57400, Sindos, Greece

    E. Hatzigiannakis & G. Arampatzis

  3. Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards and Proactive Planning & Laboratory of Reclamation Works and Water Resources Management, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou St., Zografou, 157 80, Athens, Greece

    V.A. Tsihrintzis

  4. Technion - Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel

    R. Linker

  5. Consorzio di Bonifica di secondo grado per il Canale Emiliano Romagnolo CER, Bologna, Italy

    A. Battilani

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  1. I. Tsakmakis
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  2. N. Kokkos
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  3. V. Pisinaras
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  4. V. Papaevangelou
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  5. E. Hatzigiannakis
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  6. G. Arampatzis
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  7. G.D. Gikas
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  8. R. Linker
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  9. S. Zoras
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  10. V. Evagelopoulos
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  11. V.A. Tsihrintzis
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  12. A. Battilani
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  13. G. Sylaios
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Correspondence to G. Sylaios.

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Tsakmakis, I., Kokkos, N., Pisinaras, V. et al. Operational Precise Irrigation for Cotton Cultivation through the Coupling of Meteorological and Crop Growth Models. Water Resour Manage 31, 563–580 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-016-1548-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-016-1548-7

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