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Water use, crop coefficients, and irrigation management criteria for camelina production in arid regions

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Abstract

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz is an oilseed crop touted as being suitable for production in the arid southwestern USA. However, because any significant development of the crop has been limited to cooler, rain-fed climate-areas, information and guidance for managing irrigated-camelina are lacking. This study measured the crop water use of a November-through-April camelina crop in Arizona using frequent measurements of soil water contents. The crop was grown under surface irrigation using five treatment levels of soil water depletion. The seed yields of treatments averaged 1,142 kg ha−1 (8.0% seed moisture) and were generally comparable with camelina yields reported in other parts of the USA. Varying total irrigation water amounts to treatments (295–330 mm) did not significantly affect yield, whereas total crop evapotranspiration (ETc) was increased for the most frequently irrigated treatment. However, total ETc for the camelina treatments (332–371 mm) was markedly less than that typically needed by grain and vegetable crops (600–655 mm), which are commonly grown during the same timeframe in Arizona. The camelina water-use data were used to develop crop coefficients based on days past planting, growing degree days, and canopy spectral reflectance. The crop coefficient curves, along with information presented on camelina soil water depletion and root zone water extraction characteristics will provide camelina growers in arid regions with practical tools for managing irrigations.

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Notes

  1. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply endorsement or recommendation by the US Department of Agriculture.

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Acknowledgments

The authors sincerely thank the dedicated technical support provided by Suzette Maneely, Don Powers, and Bill Luckett. This work also would not have been possible without the support of the University of Arizona, Maricopa Agricultural Center staff, particularly Bob Roth, Greg Main, and Clint Jones.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS, Maricopa, AZ, 85138, USA

    D. J. Hunsaker, A. N. French & T. R. Clarke

  2. Maricopa Agricultural Center, University of Arizona, Maricopa, AZ, 85138, USA

    D. M. El-Shikha

Authors
  1. D. J. Hunsaker
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  2. A. N. French
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  3. T. R. Clarke
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  4. D. M. El-Shikha
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. J. Hunsaker.

Additional information

Communicated by A. Kassam.

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Hunsaker, D.J., French, A.N., Clarke, T.R. et al. Water use, crop coefficients, and irrigation management criteria for camelina production in arid regions. Irrig Sci 29, 27–43 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-010-0213-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-010-0213-9

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