Impact of deficit irrigation on citrus production under a sub-humid climate: a case study

Abstract Water scarcity has resulted in lower yield (7–8 t ha−1) and a decline citrus orchards central India. In this scenario, optimal deficit irrigation (DI) is potential option to sustain production. To optimize the DI schedule relation yield, water productivity, fruit quality production economics, was applied at 30% of full (FI, 100% crop evapotranspiration), 50% FI 70% compared with drip-irrigated Nagpur, India during 2008–2010. Fruit under (11.48 statistically par (13.14 ha−1). However, reduction supply (1,343 m3 75% improvement productivity than (water 4.89 kg m−3). The (acidity, 0.83%; total soluble solids, 10.3 °Brix) superior 0.85%; 9.80 °Brix). highest net profit (INR 94,300 economic (70.19 INR m−3) were generated FI. study inferred that could be water-saving profitable for