Avocado Irrigation Study Highlights Water-saving Potential

University of California Cooperative Extension irrigation and water management advisor Ali Montazar led research to develop a more reliable crop coefficient for avocado irrigation in California. Irrigation can make up 50% of an avocado grower’s costs and with water scarcity in southern California, understanding the actual evapotranspiration rate of avocado orchards makes significant waster savings possible. Three years of data collection revealed that crop coefficients varied widely at different sites, based on factors such as slope and row orientation, soil type and condition, canopy size and management, age of orchard, and seasonal changes. Researchers concluded that, in general, growers are probably overwatering during some periods, and water savings are possible. Researchers will utilize the new crop coefficients in an existing irrigation calculator and have been sharing their research results with avocado producers.