The crop coefficient (Kc) in research and application in Andean crops in Peru

Abstract

In recent years, proper management of water resources has become essential, which is becoming increasingly scarce in certain areas as a result of climate change. In addition, with proper management of water resources, better results are obtained in food production, being an important factor knowledge of the crop coefficient (Kc) to know the adequate amount of water to consume for each type of crop in different stages of development and growth of the plant, the value of Kc is affected by several factors such as solar radiation, the speed of wind, relative humidity of the environment. The procedure consisted in the collection of information from different studies carried out by universities and research centers in relation to Andean crops, the scope of study was framed in investigations carried out in the Andean region of Peru. In the first part, information was collected in relation to to the methodology used to determine the Kc, among them we can mention the Kc-NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) methodology, the Lysimeter methodology and the methodology proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). ). Regarding the Kc, it is concluded that in various Andean crops such as potatoes, corn, quinoa, oca, broad bean, its Kc is recommended and in several Andean crops the Kc of crops is not yet known, such as Tarwi, Chía, Yacón, among others. , the Kc is unique in time because the climatic variation of each year varies, so it is necessary to develop methods that facilitate the calculation of the Kc in real time.