The water requirements for maximum yield vary with the climate and the growth period duration, 400 to 600mm. During the first weeks after the crops are planted, the plants require 3 to 5 litres/m2 every day. After 30 to 40 days, the seedlings must receive less water to be able to produce a more robust plant. After 40 to 60 days the plants are transplanted and the crop is harvested 90 to 120 days after transplanting. The maximum water demand period is between the 50th and 70th day after transplanting, after which requirements will reduce.
Water must be provided every day to the young plants, even when evapotranspiration is moderate. At the end of the sowing period, the water is retained for a few days. During transplanting, water must be provided to the plants individually to help them in the first few weeks after transplanting. During the rapid growth period, water must be provided frequently. During the early yield formation period, during flowering, limited and shallow irrigation may be enough to obtain optimum high-quality yields. When water is limited, it must be applied on transplanting, during the rapid growth period and during the early yield formation period.
Surface spray irrigation is mainly used.
