Fundamentos da tensiometria aplicados ao manejo da irrigação
Fundamentos da tensiometria aplicados ao manejo da irrigação
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Palavras-chave: curva de retenção de água; potencial mátrico; umidade do solo.
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Keywords: soil water retention curve; matric potential; soil moisture.
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Abstract: Tensiometry is one of the simplest and most efficient techniques for monitoring soil water status in irrigation management. The method is based on measuring the soil matric potential. The tensiometer consists of a water-filled tube with a porous ceramic cup at its lower end, which maintains continuous hydraulic contact with the soil and records tension variations as soil moisture changes. Its installation at different depths makes it possible to evaluate the water profile within the root zone, guiding precise decisions on when to irrigate and how much water to apply. The interpretation of readings is enhanced when combined with the soil water retention curve, which relates moisture content to matric potential, allowing tension values to be converted into soil water content. Thus, tensiometry stands out as a fundamental tool for optimizing water use, avoiding waste, reducing costs, and maintaining crops under adequate development conditions.
- Vinícius Villa e Vila
- Ana Cláudia Sátiro de Araújo
- Jessica Sabrina de Castro Couto
- Lucas Santiago Lima
- Fernando Campos Mendonça
- Marcos Vinicius Folegatti
- Patricia Angélica Alves Marques