Informing Resilient and Sustainable Irrigation Management in Commercial Citrus Orchards under Semi-Arid Conditions: Evaluating Crop Evapotranspiration, and Internal Fruit Quality

This study investigates the prospects of resilient and sustainable irrigation strategies in the industry in Morocco's semi-arid Souss-Massa region, focusing on the Esbal clementine variety. With the citrus sector's crucial role in the national economy and its vulnerability to water scarcity reality in the kingdom, the research aimed at providing elements of precise clementine irrigation management with an optimized market value of the fruits. Water scarcity challenges exacerbated by climate change. By employing scientific energy balance and water-atmosphere monitoring instruments and the monitoring of Esbal clementine trees and fruits, including under different irrigation treatments, site-specific irrigation scheduling parameters were derived, and the fruits' internal quality was monitored. Variations in Brix degree indicate a clear relationship between water supply amounts and sugar content, with ETc irrigation producing higher values. However, acidity mainly remained unaffected by irrigation changes. Insights on crop coefficients (Kc) and discrepancies with FAO guidelines highlight the need for precise water management. Beyond scientific contributions, the study offers practical contributions towards resilient and sustainable citrus cultivation, aligning with Morocco and most of the Mediterranean growing area's efforts to address water scarcity and improved clementine production challenges.