Cost-benefit analysis of almond orchard under regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) in SE Spain

Abstract

A cost-benefit analysis was performed for a mature, commercial almond plantation [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] cv. Cartagenera in SE Spain to determine profitability under regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and an irrigation regimen covering 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The plantation was subjected to two drip irrigation treatments for four years: T1 (control) irrigation providing 100% ETc coverage throughout the growth cycle, and T2 (RDI treatment) an irrigation strategy that provided 100% ETc except during the kernel-filling period, when only 20% ETc coverage was provided. A 28% water saving was achieved with this RDI strategy, while almond production was reduced by only 7%. RDI represented an increase in the efficiency of water use, and cost-benefit analysis showed a 10% mean annual reduction in operating costs compared to the control irrigation regimen. This reduction in costs was basically due to the 28% saving in the cost of water and the corresponding saving in electricity. RDI treatment had a greater short-term than long-term benefit per unit cost. The irrigation costs per kg of almond were 0.76 Euros kg-1 and 0.58 Euros kg-1 under RDI and control conditions respectively. The break-even point was lower under RDI; each kilogram cost 0.05 Euros less to produce than in the control conditions. The results show how RDI, and specifically how this irrigation strategy, may be considered agronomically and economically appropriate in semiarid conditions.