Estimation of consumptive water use for Watermelon in Auchi, Nigeria

This study aims to estimate the consumptive water use (CWU) for watermelon production in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. The research was conducted over a period of eight months (March–October) and used data collected from the watermelon field at the Demonstration and Research Farm of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi. The result of the experiment revealed the estimation of CWU and watermelon water requirements (CWR) of 175.9 mm and 195 mm for the 62-day (August to October) vegetation stage of watermelon, with a CROPWAT projected harvest on November 20, 2022. The finding also revealed that the mean annual consumptive water use for watermelon production was 520.7 mm. The mean seasonal water use for watermelon production was higher in the dry season (March to June, 488.7mm) than in the wet season (July to October, 390.6mm). However, based on this harvest date, the model predicted irrigation requirements of 23.1 mm and 59.4 mm in October and November. Additionally, this study offers proof that management strategies for water use efficiency and irrigation scheduling can dramatically lower water losses and boost efficiency. The findings of this study can be applied to the Auchi region’s water management decision-making procedures as well as to help watermelon farmers reduce their water consumption levels while maintaining output.