Simulated Citrus Water Use from Shallow Groundwater

by T. A. Obreza, Univ of Fla., Fort Pierce, United States,
B. J. Boman, Univ of Fla., Fort Pierce, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Irrigation and Drainage: Saving a Threatened Resource?In Search of Solutions

Abstract:

Citrus groves in south Florida are planted on poorly-drained soils that support a shallow water table which can contribute some or all of the citrus evapotranspiration (ET) requirement through upward flux. The objective of this study was to estimate the maximum groundwater depth that could fully supply citrus water requirements. Water table level and soil moisture were measured in 12 citrus grove sites, three each representing the Winder, Wabasso, Riviera, and Pineda soil series. Water table fluctuation and citrus ET were simulated for each site over a 9-month period in 1987 using the DRAINMOD water management/drainage model. The model estimated that a water table not deeper than 75 cm below the root zone would not limit citrus ET. An observed water table depth of 50-70 cm was sufficient to maintain a root zone soil moisture level that did not limit ET in the soils studied.

Subject Headings: Water table | Soil water | Computer models | Water resources | Simulation models | Evapotranspiration | Water use | Florida | United States

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