Early sowing can improve irrigation water use efficiency and yield of common bean

Abstract

One of the great challenges in the use of irrigation, from an economic and environmental point of view, is to optimize the amount of water used in the production system. This study aimed at determining the viability of early sowing in the fall/winter harvest season, as well as its effects on the irrigation water use efficiency and yield of common bean. A crop model named CSM-CROPGRO-Dry bean, which simulates growth, development and yield of common bean as a function of environmental conditions, crop management and cultivar-specific parameters, was used to simulate the effects of 12 sowing dates on the irrigation water use efficiency and yield of the Pérola and BRS Radiante common bean cultivars. The simulated dates were as it follows: March 1st, 10 and 20 and April 1st, 10 and 20 (considered early); and May 1st, 10 and 20 and June 1st, 10 and 20 (considered traditional). The early sowing results in greater water economy than the traditional sowing season. Sowing in March provides a higher grain yield for the BRS Radiante cultivar and is similar to the traditional sowing of the Pérola cultivar. Concerning grain yield and irrigation water use efficiency, it is feasible to sow both cultivars in March.