Water consumption and water use efficiency of field crops and vegetables

摘要

Water consumption of 7 field crops and 6 different kinds of vegetables was determined under field conditions in weigh able lysimeters with unlimited evapotranspiration, located in large field plots. The results show a dependence on the length of thegrowing period. The amount being between 692 mm (Raygras 349 days from emergence to harvest) and 219 mm (beans 68 days from emergence to harvest). The daily water consumption of crops and vegetables with a closed and intact canopy during the main growingperiod amounts to nearly 4 mm on the average. The water use efficiency depends on the yield level. For example, the water use efficiency in recent field experiments is considerably higher than in former experiments, mentioned in the agricultural literature. Efficient irrigation contributes to a better water use efficiency as well.