Determinación del coeficiente kc en el cultivo de melón (Cucumis melo l.) Var. Santa Claus mediante el método de lisímetro bajo dos condiciones de manejo

Abstract

The aim of the study was the determination of the Kc coefficient in the melon crop (Cucumis melo L.) var. Santa claus using the lysimeter method under two management conditions (low level and above level greenhouse), an experimental design was not used, for the comparison of the two types of greenhouses a T-test (Student) was used, biometric data such as days to flowering, days to harvest, yield in Kg/ha were taken, finally the blue water footprint was calculated, for the calculation of crop evapotranspiration (Etc) were obtained by calculating the inlet and outlet volume divided by the area of each lysimeter, to calculate the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was based on the methodology proposed by Blanney and Criddle (FAO), and finally obtained the Etc and ETo the crop coefficient (Kc) was calculated according to the phenological stages presented by the crop. Crop evapotranspiration (Etc) and reference evapotranspiration (ETo) were obtained by calculating the input and output volume divided by the area of each lysimeter. The Kc obtained in the melon crop in the below-grade greenhouse was: initial stage 0.33; development 0.74; mean 0.94 and final 0.66, while the above-grade greenhouse was in the initial stage 0.30; development 0.70; mean 0.91 and final 0.63. It is recommended to calculate the Kc in each study area to have more reliable and accurate calculations on the water needs of the corresponding crop, due to climatic differences from one place to another, these values may vary and, consequently, overestimate or underestimate the water consumption by plants.