Estimación del consumo de agua en cultivo de maíz con seguimiento de la humedad mediante sonda de capacitancia tdr

Abstract

Maize is one of the most important crops worldwide, essential for both human and animal consumption. Proper water management is crucial for its optimal growth and maximum yield. This study focuses on estimating maize water consumption using TDR capacitance probes and CROPWAT software, with the aim of improving irrigation efficiency in precision agriculture. The research was conducted at the "Santa Inés" experimental farm of the Technical University of Machala. A completely randomized experimental design was employed with four different irrigation treatments, using TDR probes to measure soil moisture content and CROPWAT to calculate the crop's water requirements. The objectives were to calculate water consumption during the vegetative period of the maize crop, estimate the potential evapotranspiration of the crop using CROPWAT, and evaluate real-time water consumption and availability through TDR probes. Treatments with higher water levels showed greater water consumption and retention in the soil, which translated into better crop yield. On the other hand, treatments with lower water levels encouraged greater root development in search of deeper water. TDR probe technology and CROPWAT software proved to be effective tools for efficient irrigation management. The research highlights the importance of implementing irrigation strategies based on the specific needs of the maize crop and local edaphoclimatic conditions.