Water requirements for major crops in different agro-climatic zones of Iraqi Kurdistan using by CROPWAT 8.0

Abstract

The study was performed by using FAO Penman-Monteith equation. Required parameters were set for 9 synoptic stations in Iraqi Kurdistan for a period from 2004 to 2012. Sangasar and Karkuk were selected as two different agro-climatic zones. Data were processed by (CROPWAT 8.0) program, and the values of ETo and effective rainfall were calculated. Several crops were selected in the study including alfalfa, barley, beans, cabbage, grapes, maize, potatoes, sunflower, melons, tomatoes and wheat. Crop coefficients (Kc) were taken from tables of FAO under medium soil conditions. The results show that potential evapotranspiration in Sangasar zone was 0.9-8 mm/day, whereas in Karkuk zone was 1.5 to12 mm/day. The highest water requirement was estimated for grape in the Sangasar zone (Soran) 987.6mm/day and 1635.1 mm/day for Karkuk zone (Makhmur). In the same way, the minimum water requirement was estimated for alfalfa (first mowing) in Sangasar zone (Penjwen) 224.1mm/day and 269.7mm/day for Karkuk zone (Chamchamal).