WATER REQUIREMENT IN THE VANILLA (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews)- NARANJO (Citrus sinensis L.) PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN THE TOTONACAPAN REGION, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Abstract

This study characterizes and quantifies the water requirement of the vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews) production
system in orange (Citrus sinensis L.) in the Totonacapan region, Veracruz, Mexico. The work was based on a hydrological and
ombrothermic balance of the region, which generally considers climatic aspects such as temperature, evaporation, relative
humidity and precipitation. The water needs and irrigation requirements of vanilla were determined according
to the FAO-56 methodology and according to the estimation of Penman-Monteith current and potential
evapotranspirations and according the crop monthly development coefficients. Results indicate that even
though the Totonacapan region is characterized as wet, a period of water deficit is identified, that extends
throughout most of the year, affecting the critical period of vanilla bloom from April to June. Since some
areas have higher rainfall, water requirements range from 851.7 to 1,345.3 mm for a year of vanilla
production, which is reflected in the irrigation requirements, from 193.1 to 502.8 mm of
water per year.