Consumptive water use in pecan trees in the Hermosillo Coast

Objective: To estimate the consumptive use of water for pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). Design/methodology/approach: In this study, the consumptive use of water for pecan trees was estimated by applying the water balance equation (Irrigation + rainfall-ETc=0). Results: The results obtained from the 2020 to 2023 cycles show that an average irrigation depth of 1,365 mm should be irrigate per cycle, similar to the ETc estimated in situ by the Eddy Covariance Method. Limitations on study/implications: Regional scope. Findings/conclusions: The water balance is positive and shown a water surplus of 369 mm per cycle. This means that, considering only irrigation, savings of 147 mm per season could be achieved, representing an average of 1,470 m3 ha-1 per agricultural cycle, without causing water stress for pecan trees.