Optimizing Water Use in Managing Deficit Irrigation of Fruit Trees

Authors

1 Department of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Iran

2 Department of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Abstract

Water has become the most precious natural resource in many parts of the world, and since agriculture is the main consumer of water, improving water use efficiency has received increasing attention. Irrigation management is an important measure in fruit-producing regions of the world, especially in arid and semi-arid climates. Fruit crops, which have become commercially important in recent years, are an important part of agriculture. Due to low irrigation efficiency and water use, irrigation managers are looking for new and effective approaches to water management of horticultural crops. Given the current water shortage, one of the strategies to reduce water use in irrigated agriculture is to reduce the amount of irrigation water compared to full crop irrigation, or in other words, underirrigation. The goal of underirrigation is to stabilize yield and achieve maximum water efficiency, not maximum yield. A small reduction in irrigation water use or a small improvement in efficiency can significantly increase water savings while simultaneously improving water availability for other purposes. Inadequate water supply leads to reduced tree growth, yield, and fruit quality. On the other hand, over-irrigation increases nutrient leaching, waterlogging problems, pest and disease incidence, and costs associated with frequent irrigation system operation and maintenance. Optimizing water use by scheduling orchard irrigation can increase water efficiency, reduce production costs, and enhance tree growth and fruit yield.

Keywords

Professional Promoting Scientific Journal of Aquifer
Volume 20, Issue 1
February 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 08 February 2026

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