Deficit irrigation
Application of irrigation water during drought-sensitive growth stages of a crop. Outside these periods, irrigation is limited or even unnecessary if rainfall provides a minimum supply of water. Water restriction is limited to drought-tolerant phenological stages, often the vegetative stages and the late ripening period.
Advantages / Benefits
Maximises productivity of water without significantly compromising yield
Stabilises crop yileds compared to rainfed cultivation
Reduces nutrient loss and leaching of the root zones, resulting in better groundwater quality and less fertilizer requirements compared to full irigation
Who's involved
Governments, farmers, research institutes
Information sources