Irrigation demand of economically significant crops in the Araras Norte and Baixo Acaraú districts, Ceará, Brazil

The aim of this study was to analyze the water demand in banana, papaya and coconut crops grown irrigation districts Araras Norte Baixo Acaraú, located State Ceará. A historical meteorological series regions where from are used. Precipitation, maximum minimum temperatures, relative humidity data were obtained these series. From acquired precipitation data, frequency intensity dry rainy years area, Rainfall Anomaly Index calculated. Based on series, reference evapotranspiration by Hargreaves-Samani method crop determined. requirement based precipitation. In plots, systems evaluated application efficiency determined order obtain supplementary requirement. depths used Acaraú underestimated, not meeting For banana district, performing first semester applying management throughout year could correct deficit. it would be necessary depth second semester, through adequate management, because sufficient meet