An assessment of yield coefficients of jujube under drip-irrigation in Loess Plateau of China

Abstract

Jujube, as a kind of drought-tolerant species with great economic value, is widely grown in Loess 
Plateau of China. The yield of jujube depends on irrigation, and crop coefficient is the basis for 
calculating the amount of irrigation. The experimental area was located in Mizhi experimental station in 
Loess Plateau of China. According to the meteorological data observed by automatic weather station of 
Mizhi experimental station and using FAO Penman-Montieth equation, we calculated the ET0 in jujube’s 
growth period; additionally, combined with ETc of jujubes under sufficient irrigation, we studied the 
crop coefficient of jujubes under drip-irrigation. This study determined the crop coefficient in each 
growing period of jujube, and it established a function relationship between crop coefficients, days 
after sprouting and LAI. The crop coefficient of jujubes from this study provided a scientific basis for 
the water management of jujubes under drip-irrigation in Loess Plateau of China.