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Analysis of Crop Water Requirements for Apple Using Dependable Rainfall
Rainfall expected to occur in a given period is defined as dependable rainfall. The increasing pressure on freshwater resources necessitates efficient water use in the agricultural sector, where water is used the most globally. Therefore, dependable rainfall values in dry (80%), normal (50%) and wet (20%) periods, which are used in the planning and operation stages of irrigation networks, can be determined by analysis. In this study, the change in the irrigation water requirement of apple trees was investigated based on the dependable rainfall of Warsaw and Isparta, two important apple production regions of Poland and Turkey. For this purpose, dependable rainfall values in both locations between 1984 and 2021 were calculated monthly and annually with the Rainbow program. Then, using the climate parameters of the relevant years, plant water consumption and irrigation water requirements were calculated with the help of Cropwat software. As a result of the research, rainfall values expected to occur in the dry, normal and rainy years in Warsaw are 466 mm, 532 mm and 604 mm, respectively, while, in Isparta, these values are 422 mm, 520 mm and 602 mm, respectively. Crop water requirements calculated based on dependable rainfall are 363 mm, 237 mm and 108 mm in Warsaw during the dry, normal and wet periods, while these values are 452 mm, 367 mm and 277 mm, respectively, in Isparta. The application of appropriate irrigation rates that take into account water requirements will optimize the use of water resources and also improve apple yields. This is extremely important for these research areas in particular, as Turkey and Poland are among the largest apple producers in the world.
Derinkuyu dry bean irrigation planning in semi-arid climate by utilising crop water stress index values
This study was conducted to determine crop water stress index (CWSI) values and irrigation timing in the case of Derinkuyu dry bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.). In 2017, dry beans were grown as the main crop according to the field design consisting of plots divided into randomised blocks. Irrigation treatment comprised full irrigation (I100) and irrigation issues with three different levels of water stress (I66, I33, I0). This study applied 602 mm of water under the I100 irrigation. The yield of Derinkuyu dry beans was equal to 3576.6 kg∙ha –1 in I100 irrigation. The lower limit (LL) value, which is not necessary for the determination of CWSI, was obtained as the canopy–air temperature difference ( Tc – Ta) versus the air vapour pressure deficit ( VPD). The upper limit (UL) value, at which the dry beans were wholly exposed to water stress, was obtained at a constant temperature. The threshold CWSI value at which the grain yield of dry beans started to decrease was determined as 0.33 from the measurements made with an infrared thermometer before irrigation in I66 irrigation treatment. As a result, it can be suggested that irrigation should be applied when the CWSI value is 0.33 in dry beans. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between grain yield and crop water stress index and a positive correlation between yield and chlorophyll content. According to variance analysis, significant relationships were found between the analysed parameters at p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.05.
The effects of high temperature and low humidity on crop water stress index of seed pumpkin plants (Cucurbita pepo L.) in semi-arid climate conditions
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high temperature and low humidity on the crop water stress index (CWSI) of seed pumpkin plants grown under semi-arid climate conditions to determine the optimum irrigation time. This research unveils the critical impact of high temperature and low humidity on seed pumpkin growth, emphasizing the vital role of the CWSI in optimizing irrigation strategies and seed yield. Moreover, the relationship between CWSI, physiological parameters, and seed yield of the pumpkin was investigated. The mean CWSI values in the I70 (0.40) and I35 (0.56) treatments were 42% and 100% higher, respectively than those in the full irrigation (I100) treatment (0.28). While the I70 treatment showed manageable water stress with minimal impact, the I35 treatment experienced severe stress, significantly reducing crop growth and yield. The mean seed yield (SY) in the I70 treatment increased to 1245.2 kg ha–1 compared to I35 (903.3 kg ha–1) but remained lower than I100 (1339.3 kg ha–1). The CWSI had negative correlations (p ≤ 0.01) with seed yield, chlorophyll content, and leaf area index, while it had positive correlations with water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency (p ≤ 0.01). This study showed that pumpkins could be grown successfully at 30% water deficit conditions, and a water deficit higher than 30% may cause a significant seed yield loss in semi-arid climate conditions. In addition, the results highlight the importance of optimal irrigation and CWSI monitoring for informed irrigation decisions and sustainable agricultural practices. Therefore, moderate water deficit (I70) can be adopted in pumpkin cultivation as an alternative to full irrigation.
Calculation of the Potential Biogas and Electricity Values of Animal Wastes: Turkey and Poland Case
This research aimed to analyze the potential amount of electrical energy from biogas energy obtained from animal wastes in Turkey and Poland. Animal waste values were calculated by taking into account the recommended literature values. In determining the biomass energy potential of livestock enterprises in Turkey and Poland, FAO’s 2012–2021 data were taken into account. The animal breeds selected as material in this study were cattle, goat, sheep, chicken, duck, goose, turkey, horse, pig, mule and donkey. Considering 10-year calculations, the potential amount of biogas energy that can be obtained from animal wastes for Turkey is 28,845,975 GJ, which is equivalent to 8,105,058 MWh of electrical energy. In Poland, the potential amount of biogas energy that can be generated from animal waste is 13,999,612 GJ, which is equivalent to 3,902,020 MWh of electricity. Moreover, it is estimated that the percentage of the potential amount of electricity to be obtained in 2021 to cover the amount of electricity consumed is 0.303% for Turkey and 0.392% for Poland. For 2021, the amount of economic gains that can be from electricity obtained was also calculated, and it was determined that this value can be 78,650,302 Euro for Turkey and 62,182,435 Euro for Poland. At the same time, it was calculated that the electricity needs of 406,170 houses in Turkey and 171,958 houses in Poland can be met in 2021. As a result, it is thought that the potential electricity to be obtained will contribute to determining energy gains and investment plans for biogas plants.