Abstract

Estimation of the optimum irrigation pulse duration and frequency is critical for any crop, and especially important in the typical sandy soil existing in the strawberry production area in south-west Spain. Irrigation scheduling has been carried out using the numerical model Hydrus-2D. The model has been calibrated with data from a soil tank experiment carried out in the laboratory. The optimum pulse duration has been estimated in three different crop stages, and has been compared with the irrigation scheduling recorded in the field, estimating the potential water saving in strawberry production in Huelva. The optimum irrigation pulse duration starts with an irrigation time of 10min that should be increased until a maximum of 1h, divided into several pulses. Applying rop water needs in several shorter pulses is a strategy highly recommended especially in the typical sandy soil, with very low water retention capacity. It has been shown that current management is disproportionate, maintaining the moisture content out of reach of the roots. Therefore, it is advisable to check the current irrigation management, so that the irrigation matches crop water requirements, maintaining sufficient moisture within the upper 30-40cm of soil, avoiding water losses by percolation and groundwater pollution. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.