Impact of deficit irrigation on citrus production under a sub-humid climate: a case study

Water scarcity has resulted in lower yield (7-8 t ha(-1)) and a decline in citrus orchards in central India. In this scenario, optimal deficit irrigation (DI) is a potential option to sustain citrus production. To optimize the DI schedule in relation to yield, water productivity, fruit quality, and production economics, water was applied at 30% of full irrigation (FI, 100% crop evapotranspiration), 50% of FI, and 70% of FI and compared with FI in drip-irrigated citrus at Nagpur, India during 2008-2010. Fruit yield under 50% FI (11.48 t ha(-1)) was statistically at par with FI (13.14 t ha(-1)). However, a 50% reduction in water supply (1,343 m(3) ha(-1)) resulted in a 75% improvement in water productivity in DI at 50% FI than FI (water productivity, 4.89 kg m(-3)). The fruit quality in DI at 50% FI (acidity, 0.83%; total soluble solids, 10.3 degrees Brix) was superior to FI (acidity, 0.85%; total soluble solids, 9.80 degrees Brix). The highest net profit (INR 94,300 ha(-1)) and net economic water productivity (70.19 INR m(-3)) were generated under DI at 50% FI. The study inferred that irrigation at 50% FI could be a water-saving and profitable option for citrus production in central India.