Optimizing Irrigation Strategies for Pomegranates and Persimmons in Valencian Region

In recent decades, the scarcity of fresh water has become a significant issue, particularly in arid regions, leading to increased competition for water among agricultural, industrial, and urban users. The widespread limitations on water for agriculture highlight the need for strategies that enhance the efficiency of irrigation water use. Pomegranates and persimmons, although considered minor fruit trees, have gained considerable attention in Spain and worldwide due to their organoleptic characteristics and health benefits. As a result, they present interesting options for diversifying fruit production in the Mediterranean basin, especially since these species are known to tolerate water stress. A three-year study investigated the agronomic responses of both crops to deficit irrigation, specifically focusing on sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI). For pomegranates, RDI - where water applied is reduced to 33% of the total irrigation requirements during the flowering (RDI1) and fruit set (RDI2) periods - has been identified as a viable strategy under water-limited conditions. On the other hand, the tested SDI strategy (applying 50% of the irrigation water requirements throughout the crop cycle) should be reserved for extreme water scarcity situations. For persimmons, the tested SDI strategy, which reduces water applied to 70% of the water requirements, is recommended as it achieves a 30% water saving while maintaining production levels comparable to the control group, thereby enhancing water productivity. In contrast, RDI - where water is reduced during the flowering and fruit setting stages (60% in RDI1 and 40% in RDI2) -  yielded intermediate results, providing lower water savings without increasing production relative to the SDI. In conclusion, both studies suggest that pomegranates and persimmons could serve as alternative options to citrus fruits in Valencia, considering their positive productive responses to deficit irrigation.