FAO Reference evapotranspiration and crop water requirement of apple (Malus Pumila) in Kashmir Valley

Abstract

Reference evapotranspiration is a significant agrometeorological parameter used for estimation of crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling. The present study was undertaken to determine the reference evapotranspiration and crop water requirement for apple cultivation in the Kashmir valley. Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) was determined for seven major apple producing districts of Kashmir valley, viz. Srinagar, Budgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Baramulla, Anantnag and Shopian. The average ET0 for apples cultivation in Kashmir Valley was 912 mm. The mean water requirement (ETc) was minimum during the initial stage being 69 mm and maximum during the mid-season stage being 668 mm. The mean water requirement during the late-season stage was 175 mm. The minimum annual ETc was observed at Baramulla (846 mm) and the maximum annual ETc at Srinagar (953 mm). Different stations showed variations in water requirement due to differences in altitude and local weather conditions.