Sistemas de irrigação e manejo de água na produção de sementes

Abstract

High quality seed production, in na economically feasible way, demands for appropriate use of the available production technologies, like irrigation, wich is often considered as a guaranteed way to improve and ensure yield. However, many factors contribute for not reaching the full economic results this technique allows for. Among these factors are inadequate system choice, design and operation and inappropriate water management related to climate, soil and plant characteristics. When irrigation is applied to seed production fields, the lack in considering the specific plant needs for high quality seed production is another failure factor to be added. For many crops, including soybean, corn, cotton and bean, the sprinkler irrigation use, mainly automated systems, is increasing, this fact, combined with the economic significance of these crops for seed market, is putting pressure on the need for making better use of these systems. This text presents a set of technical directions intended for assiting personnel, students and researchers involved with high quality seed production oriented irrigation. The first section is addressed to the context were irrigation is inserted, mainly related to the seed production aspect. In the second section the concepts related to the air-water-soil-plant system are treated. The third section is dedicated to the crop water requirements and irrigation management, discussing intervening factors, management methods, monitoring techniques and specific recommendations for seed production. The fourth section is about sprinkler irrigation, including its characterization, potential advantages, restrictions and choice and design criteria. The last section covers the design, operation and maintenance of irrigation pumps.