Editorial Material
Agronomy
Ray G. Anderson, Joan Girona, Riccardo Gucci
Summary: Perennial vine and tree crops are in high demand due to market demand for fruit and nut products, but their presence in water-scarce regions increases water demand and reduces flexibility to respond to drought. Poor irrigation management can negatively impact crop quality and reduce farmer profitability. This special issue of Irrigation Science presents ten studies on different approaches to optimize irrigation water use and maximize crop quality.
IRRIGATION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Evie E. Smith, Patrick H. Brown, Ellie M. Andrews, Kenneth A. Shackel, Brent A. Holtz, Daniel J. Rivers, David R. Haviland, Sat Darshan S. Khalsa
Summary: Almonds are a significant agricultural commodity in California, and this research shows that early harvest combined with hull split regulated deficit irrigation can effectively reduce hull rot and navel orangeworm infestation rates while potentially improving water use efficiency without sacrificing yield.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Qian Li, Yan Chen, Shikun Sun, Muyuan Zhu, Jing Xue, Zihan Gao, Jinfeng Zhao, Yihe Tang
Summary: Increasing water consumption in agriculture due to global climate change poses challenges to food security. Improving water production efficiency is crucial for sustainable agricultural development. Deficit irrigation reduces crop yield but increases water use efficiency. However, its effectiveness varies across regions and hydrological years.
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristina Romero-Trigueros, Marta Diaz-Lopez, Gaetano Alessandro Vivaldi, Salvatore Camposeo, Emilio Nicolas, Felipe Bastida
Summary: Climate change poses a major challenge to the agricultural sector in meeting global food needs. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation water quantity and quality on soil microbial communities and plant agrophysiological responses in almond trees. The results demonstrate the importance of understanding plant-soil interactions in Mediterranean crops under different irrigation strategies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
David Moldero, Alvaro Lopez-Bernal, Luca Testi, Ignacio Jesus Lorite, Elias Fereres, Francisco Orgaz
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of water deprivation on almond orchards in Spain, revealing the vulnerability of irrigated almond trees to severe water stress. Even when restored to full irrigation levels, the negative impact on yields persisted.
IRRIGATION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Yufeng Zou, Qaisar Saddique, Ajaz Ali, Jiatun Xu, Muhammad Imran Khan, Mu Qing, Muhammad Azmat, Huanjie Cai, Kadambot H. M. Siddique
Summary: The study found that appropriate deficit irrigation levels can increase maize yield and help growers cope with reduced water resources. In 2013, there was higher water use efficiency and lower evapotranspiration, resulting in higher maize yield compared to 2012.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuan Li, Hengjia Zhang, Fuqiang Li, Haoliang Deng, Zeyi Wang, Xietian Chen
Summary: The study investigates the impact of regulated deficit irrigation under mulch on the growth, yield, and quality of pumpkins. The results show that applying a mild water deficit treatment during the seedling stage improves water use efficiency without significantly affecting yield, and enhances the quality of pumpkin fruits. This research provides theoretical and technical support for efficient water-saving cultivation and industrialization of pumpkins.
Article
Agronomy
Xuanyue Tong, Pute Wu, Xufei Liu, Lin Zhang, Wei Zhou, Zhaoguo Wang
Summary: Deficit irrigation reduces fruit yield but increases water use efficiency in fruit trees, suitable for drought-tolerant varieties in arid regions.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chenli Zhou, Hengjia Zhang, Fuqiang Li, Yong Wang, Yucai Wang, Zeyi Wang
Summary: Deficit irrigation is an effective method for improving crop productivity and conserving water. In this study, the impact of deficit irrigation on the growth, water consumption characteristics, yield, and quality of Isatis indigotica (woad) was assessed. The results showed that continuous mild deficit irrigation during the vegetative and fleshy root growth periods was optimal for woad cultivation.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
You Wu, Shicheng Yan, Junliang Fan, Fucang Zhang, Youzhen Xiang, Jing Zheng, Jinjin Guo
Summary: The research found that with increasing irrigation amount, aboveground biomass, leaf area index, plant height, and fruit yield all increased. However, the lowest levels of soluble solids, vitamin C, and soluble sugar in tomato fruits were found under the W1 irrigation regime. Deficit drip irrigation has the potential to support tomato growth, improve marketable yield and water use efficiency.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
You Wu, Shicheng Yan, Junliang Fan, Fucang Zhang, Wenju Zhao, Jing Zheng, Jinjin Guo, Youzhen Xiang, Lifeng Wu
Summary: The over-application of irrigation and chemical fertilization in the greenhouse vegetable production system in China can have negative impacts on fruit quality, economic profit, and resource utilization. This study investigated the effects of different irrigation levels and fertilization practices on tomato yield, fruit quality, economic benefit, water use efficiency, and nitrogen use efficiency. The results showed that the combination of both soluble organic and chemical fertilizers for topdressing obtained the highest plant nitrogen uptake, net profit, and water use efficiency, and significantly improved tomato yield. The addition of organic fertilizers also reduced nitrate content in tomato fruits. Deficit irrigation promoted a higher water use efficiency compared to conventional fertilization practice. According to the principal component analysis, the fertilization practice with soluble organic and chemical fertilizers was ranked first regardless of irrigation levels and growing seasons.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jose M. Miras-Avalos, Victoria Gonzalez-Dugo, Ivan F. Garcia-Tejero, Ramon Lopez-Urrea, Diego S. Intrigliolo, Gregorio Egea
Summary: Almond plantations are expanding globally, particularly in Spain, with more intensive systems compared to traditional rainfed orchards. This study analyzed previous irrigation trials in Spain to derive water-production functions and evaluate deficit irrigation strategies for maximizing water productivity under scarcity conditions. The results showed a yield increase with increased water application, reaching a potential yield of 2500 kg/ha with 1000 mm irrigation. Regardless of the deficit irrigation technique used, similar responses were observed under severe water restrictions. However, a regulated deficit irrigation strategy was found to be more advantageous under moderate water stress. These findings provide useful information for sustainable irrigation protocols in almond plantations.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Joaquim Bellvert, Hector Nieto, Ana Pelecha, Christian Jofre-Cekalovi, Lourdes Zazurca, Xavier Miarnau
Summary: This study used remote sensing technology to assess the evapotranspiration of almond cv. Marinada grafted onto different rootstocks, and significant differences were found among the rootstocks in multiple parameters.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei Yang, Gary Feng, Yonglin Jia, Yixuan Yang, Xiaoyu Gao, Lihua Gao, Zhongyi Qu
Summary: Improvement of soil water and nutrient availability through soil management practices is crucial for promoting crop growth and achieving high water-fertilizer productivity with limited irrigation. This study conducted a randomized factorial design to investigate the effects of drip-irrigation regimes and biochar rates on maize growth in a semi-arid region of China. The results showed that the irrigation regimes and biochar treatment generally increased soil nutrient availability and organic matter content, and improved the comprehensive fertility index, leaf area index, and yield of maize. Furthermore, biochar treatment enhanced irrigation water productivity and fertilizer productivity. The findings suggest that a one-time application of biochar treatment at a rate of 15 t ha(-1) in the first growing season is recommended for improving soil fertility, water-fertilizer productivity, and maize yield.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Caner Yerli, Ustun Sahin, Selda Ors, Fatih Mehmet Kiziloglu
Summary: Although wastewater irrigation has a long history, it is still important to improve crop yield and water productivity. The study showed that under zero tillage conditions, wastewater irrigation can save irrigation water, enhance water productivity and yield. Additionally, zero tillage can contribute to higher water productivity and irrigation water productivity.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Raghvendra Singh Yadav, Anju, Ivo Kuritka
Summary: In this article, recent advances on spinel ferrite and MXene-based innovative nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference shielding and microwave absorption are systematically reviewed. The development strategies of nanocomposites with various components are discussed, along with the challenges and future prospects of MXene and spinel ferrite-based nanocomposites. This article lays the foundation for designing an outstanding next-generation electromagnetic wave absorber.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN SOLID STATE AND MATERIALS SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sankar Sekar, Abu Talha Aqueel Ahmed, Dae Hyun Sim, Sejoon Lee
Summary: In this study, metal-free carbonaceous catalysts were used to efficiently produce hydrogen. Biomass rice husk-derived corrugated graphene nanosheets were synthesized and demonstrated to have excellent electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Andrea Giovannini, Melissa Venturi, Saray Gutierrez-Gordillo, Luigi Manfrini, Luca Corelli-Grappadelli, Brunella Morandi
Summary: This study examines the seasonal and daily behavior of apricot fruit growth, as well as its vascular and transpiration flows. The results show that fruit growth mainly relies on xylem fluxes, with significant growth occurring in the late afternoon and night. Fruit surface conductance and dry matter accumulation are also influenced. This knowledge is important for improving apricot orchard management in terms of irrigation and fertilization.
Editorial Material
Agronomy
Ivan Francisco Garcia-Tejero, Victor Hugo Duran-Zuazo
Summary: This Special Issue consists of 19 original contributions addressing sustainable irrigation management in order to meet water scarcity conditions. The papers cover a wide range of subjects, including horticultural crops, woody fruit crops, medicinal plants, industrial crops, and various techniques and platforms related to water-use efficiency.
Review
Agronomy
Ingrid Trancoso, Guilherme A. R. de Souza, Paulo Ricardo dos Santos, Kesia Dias dos Santos, Rosana Maria dos Santos Nani de Miranda, Amanda Lucia Pereira Machado da Silva, Dennys Zsolt Santos, Ivan F. Garcia-Tejero, Eliemar Campostrini
Summary: This review summarizes the current research topics in cannabis agronomy, focusing on the influence of crop management and environmental conditions on yield and phytocannabinoid production. Understanding these factors is crucial for promoting higher yields and stable production of phytocannabinoids.
Editorial Material
Agronomy
Ivan Francisco Garcia-Tejero, Victor Hugo Duran-Zuazo
Editorial Material
Crystallography
Raghvendra Singh Yadav, Anju
Review
Soil Science
Belen Carceles Rodriguez, Victor Hugo Duran-Zuazo, Miguel Soriano Rodriguez, Ivan F. Garcia-Tejero, Baltasar Galvez Ruiz, Simon Cuadros Tavira
Summary: Soil health refers to the ability of soil in an agroecosystem to respond to agricultural practices sustainably. Conservation agriculture (CA) has been proven to be effective in overcoming the negative effects of conventional agricultural practices on soil health and ensuring food security.
Article
Agronomy
Belen Carceles Rodriguez, Victor Hugo Duran Zuazo, Juan Francisco Herencia Galan, Leontina Lipan, Miguel Soriano, Francisca Hernandez, Esther Sendra, Angel Antonio Carbonell-Barrachina, Baltasar Galvez Ruiz, Ivan Francisco Garcia-Tejero
Summary: The study analyzed the effects of different soil management strategies on soil properties, yield, and almond quality in an organic rainfed almond orchard. The results showed that the use of legume cover improved soil properties and had a positive impact on soil health. The almond yield was not significantly affected by the soil management strategies, but the strategy with legume cover increased almond antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content, improving their nutritional value.
Review
Agronomy
Belen Carceles Rodriguez, Victor Hugo Duran Zuazo, Dionisio Franco Tarifa, Simon Cuadros Tavira, Pedro Cermeno Sacristan, Ivan Francisco Garcia-Tejero
Summary: Avocado trees are significant water users due to their congenital features and the growing deficiency of water resources has created a demand for sustainable water-saving measures. This review analyzes deficit irrigation as a strategy to face climate change and water scarcity, emphasizing studies conducted in subtropical Mediterranean climates where avocado orchards are common. The findings suggest that sustainable irrigation programs can be developed through deficit irrigation strategies to reduce water consumption without compromising yield and quality of avocado fruits.
Article
Soil Science
Raul Rojano-Cruz, Francisco Jose Martinez-Moreno, Jesus Galindo-Zaldivar, Francisco Lamas, Lourdes Gonzalez-Castillo, Gabriel Delgado, Jesus Parraga, Victoriano Ramirez-Gonzalez, Victor Hugo Duran-Zuazo, Belen Carceles-Rodriguez, Juan Manuel Martin-Garcia
Summary: This study investigates the effects of using a new device called 'Hydroinfiltrator Rainwater Harvesting System (HRHS) on the water balance of soils. The results show that the device significantly increases soil moisture, improves crop production, and reduces the risk of water erosion.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francis Matthews, Gert Verstraeten, Pasquale Borrelli, Matthias Vanmaercke, Jean Poesen, An Steegen, Aurore Degre, Belen Carceles Rodriguez, Charles Bielders, Christine Franke, Claire Alary, David Zumr, Edouard Patault, Estela Nadal-Romero, Ewa Smolska, Feliciana Licciardello, Gilles Swerts, Hans Thodsen, Javier Casali, Javier Eslava, Jean-Baptiste Richet, Jean-Francois Ouvry, Joaquim Farguell, Jolanta Swiechowicz, Joao Pedro Nunes, Lai Ting Pak, Leonidas Liakos, Miguel A. Campo-Bescos, Miroslaw Zelazny, Morgan Delaporte, Nathalie Pineux, Nathan Henin, Nejc Bezak, Noemi Lana-Renault, Ourania Tzoraki, Rafael Gimenez, Tailin Li, Victor Hugo Duran Zuazo, Vincenzo Bagarello, Vincenzo Pampalone, Vito Ferro, Xavier Ubeda, Panos Panagos
Summary: As a network of researchers, we have released an open-access database called EUSEDcollab, which contains time series records of water discharge and suspended sediment yield collected from small to medium sized catchments in Europe. EUSEDcollab was compiled to address the lack of open-access data at relevant scales for research on runoff, soil erosion, and sediment delivery. The database includes data from multiple sources that have been harmonized into a common time series and metadata structure. It covers over 1600 catchment years of data from 245 catchments across ten European countries, with temporal resolutions of event, daily, and monthly. The database focuses on small to medium sized catchment drainage areas and is applicable for soil erosion research. We have released this database with the aim of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange through the European Union Soil Observatory (EUSO).
Article
Forestry
S. Gutierrez-Gordillo, I. F. Garcia-Tejero, V. H. Duran Zuazo, A. Diaz-Espejo, V Hernandez-Santana
Summary: This study aims to analyze the response of almond trees to water stress during different phenological stages. By measuring the photosynthetic capacity and yield of different almond cultivars under different irrigation treatments, the results show that during the kernel-filling and postharvest stages, almond trees reduce their demand for photoassimilates, leading to a decrease in related indicators.