Modernization of irrigation systems in France: what potential water savings at plot level?

Abstract

What is the real potential for water savings at plot level resulting from the change of irrigation equipment or the adoption of management tools in a given context? To answer this question, the authors of this article have compiled more than ninety-three references of experimental water consumption trials representative of a wide range of of soil and climate conditions and crops in metropolitan France. Their results show that the water savings potentially achievable by switching from sprinkling to a localised irrigation system are limited, if not impossible, in very dry years. On the contrary, irrigation control using soil water status sensors allows water savings that are less dependent on climatic conditions.