Water productivity in irrigated maize-based cropping systems in a Mediterranean environment

What is it about?

We report on the on-farm evaluation of water use and productivity of different irrigated crops and rotations, using data obtained from a demonstration project carried out in two farms, in close collaboration with farmers and with minimal intervention in their agronomic management options. The study addresses the productive performance of different double-year irrigated cropping systems based in cereals, mostly maize, located in the Alqueva irrigation perimeter (Guadiana river basin, Portugal).

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Why is it important?

The Alqueva irrigation network is located in a region with the agro-forestry constraints of a typical Mediterranean climate. This region is witnessing a major transformation in its landscape, with the traditional rainfed systems being replaced with intensive irrigated farming systems. The technical questions of farmers in the region about the more suitable crops and the best equipment for irrigation are now being gradually supplanted by the concern with resource-use efficiency and environmental and economical sustainability. With this study we aim to add a contribution, reducing the knowledge gap between research institutions and stakeholders.