Long-term almond yield response to deficit irrigation

A substantial area of the new almond plantations in Spain is under irrigation but because water scarcity, deficit (DI) strategies have to be adopted. This study assesses long-term sustainability different DI over 6 years (2014–2019) on a mature [Prunus dulcis (Mill) D.A. Web] orchard southern Spain. Four treatments were imposed: full (FI); two moderate DI, (SDIM) and (RDIM), where applied was 65% FI differed seasonal distribution; severe 35% FI. The results emphasise key role soil storage importance consider crop evapotranspiration (ETC) as principal driving variable productivity instead many situations. Soil partially buffered reductions imposed, leading no significant differences yield performance between treatments. production functions (yield versus ETC) did not show statistical when comparing first (2014–2016) against that second triennia (2017–2019), suggesting non-existence exhaustion or adaptation phenomena could jeopardize longer term strategies. Average annual ETC ranged from 580 mm RDIS treatment maximum value 1300 mm, yielding 1370 2750 kg ha−1 nuts, showed deficits caused losses ranging 0.05 0.35 m−3 depending level.