Climate Change Adaptation Measures in the Irrigation of a Super-Intensive Olive Orchard in the South of Portugal

The south of Portugal is one the regions that will be most affected by impacts climate change (CC), with an expected increase in water scarcity. Irrigated super-intensive olive orchards occupy a large area used agricultural surface Alentejo region, Portugal, making it necessary to adapt this crop effects CC. This study assessed CC and defined adaptation measures concerning irrigation management orchard. To compute requirement (CIR), soil balance model ISAREG was combined data relative reference period 1971–2000 representative concentration pathways RCP4.5 RCP8.5 for periods 2011–2040, 2041–2070, 2071–2100. growing degree-days (GDD) approach estimate phenology these scenarios. Unchanged average CIR up 16% 31% expected. By adopting higher levels deficit, savings 22% can realized. results showed anticipated scenarios mitigated through regulated deficit strategies.