Water balance of apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca L. cv. Bulida) under drip irrigation

The water balance of drip irrigated apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca L. cv. Bulida grafted onto Realfino apricot rootstock) was determined during a 30-month-period. Two irrigation regimes based on the reduction coefficients of Class A pan evaporation (1 and 0.5) were used to determine the water consumed. The water balance parameters for these treatments are shown and discussed in detail. Overall, the trees receiving less water showed 35% less evapotranspiration. Crop coefficients calculated on the basis of the water balance over a 30-month-period led to a saving of almost 14% water, since the coefficients were slightly below those used in other apricot orchards in the same area. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.