FURROW IRRIGATION OF VINEYARDS TO CONSERVE WATER IN CABORCA, SONORA

An aquifer uniquely holds the available water for Caborca, Sonora (Mexico) and because most of the growers are using flood irrigation methods, the aquifer is becoming depleted annually. Viticulture is the main activity in this area, with 13,500 ha, half of which is flood irrigated. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of furrow irrigation on a raisin vineyard. The furrow irrigation used at least 40% less water than flood irrigation. The yield was 8.2 kg/vine, 7.1 kg/vine and 8.5 kg/vine (fresh grapes) from furrow and each of two flood irrigation systems, respectively. Soluble solids were 24.0%, 23.1% and 23.4%, the drying ratios (fresh weight/dry weight) were 3.68, 4.47 and 4.63, and cullage rates were 18%, 30% and 25% for the furrow and the two flood irrigation systems, respectively.