Evaluation of the decision support system for irrigation scheduling of processing tomato adopted in the Emilia-Romagna Region

Irrigation scheduling for processing tomatoes is aimed at obtaining good yields of a product endowed with high hygienic, nutrient and technological quality, conserving water resources and reducing the environmental impact due to irrigation and its relations with others growing techniques. This methodology offers the possibility of certifying the production process so to obtain a Quality Label (QC RM), guaranteed by the Emilia-Romagna Regional Government. Its main characteristics are: it can be easily used, it requires low inputs, and it needs no computing facilities. In DSS the variables are pedologic and climatic ones, crop phenology, and rooting depth. This method is applicable both at farm and territorial level. The model was checked by comparing it with a water balance and rainfed plots, in different crop situations. Three varieties, transplanted and sown directly, were compared. The results displayed a correct irrigation schedule and permitted a satisfactory yield, characterized by good quality. Therefore, this irrigation scheduling, adopted in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Reg. CE 2078/92), may be considered as an applicable model to be used as an alternative to the calculation of a daily water balance in the area where it was set up.