Assessment of satellite-based water requirements for a drip-irrigated apple orchard in Mediterranean agroclimatic conditions

Authors

Daniel de la Fuente-Saiz, Universidad de Talca
Samuel Ortega-Farias, Universidad de Talca
Marcos Carrasco-Benavides, Universidad Católica del Maule
Samuel Ortega-Salazar, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Fei Tian, China Agricultural University, National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture in Wuwei of Gansu Province
Sufen Wang, China Agricultural University, National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture in Wuwei of Gansu Province
Yi Liu, China Agricultural University, National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture in Wuwei of Gansu Province

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

4-12-2024

Citation

Heliyon 10 (2024) e29688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29688

Comments

Open access.

Abstract

Accurate assessment of evapotranspiration (ETa) and crop coefficient (Kc) is crucial for optimizing irrigation practices in water-scarce regions. While satellite-based surface energy balance models offer a promising solution, their application to sparse canopies like apple orchards requires specific validation. This study investigated the spatial and temporal dynamics of ETa and Kc in a drip-irrigated ‘Pink Lady’ apple orchard under Mediterranean conditions over three growing seasons (2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15). The METRIC model, incorporating calibrated sub-models for leaf area index (LAI), surface roughness (Z_om), and soil heat flux (G), was employed to estimate ETa and Kc. These estimates were validated against field-scale Eddy Covariance data. Results indicated that METRIC overpredicted Kc and ETa with errors less than 10 %. These findings highlight the potential of the calibrated METRIC model as a valuable decision-making tool for irrigation management in apple orchards.