Estimation of second season maize yield loss by the spatial variability of the soil physical-water properties

Abstract

Irrigation systems are still traditionally dimensioned and managed considering that the cultivated area is homogeneous, thereby not taking into account the spatial variability of soil physical and hydraulic parameters, potentially limiting productivity. The aim of this work was to estimate the yield losses of second season maize crops when comparing the application of constant and variable complementary irrigation depths along the area, in scenarios with distinct rainfall indices, for an irrigated area in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Data of the soil parameters bulk density (Ïb) and available water capacity (AWC) were analysed and maps of spatial variability were generated using geostatistical tools. In the sequence, water balance for the average values of Ïb and AWC and individual water balances for each pixel generated in the interpolations were determined, allowing the estimation of production losses due to the application of water depths. The water demand of the second season maize was estimated with precision for the three scenarios studied. Traditional irrigation management resulted in deficit areas and excessive depths up to 54 mm for both cases, leading to a reduction in productivity of up to 12.5%.