DETERMINING IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VEGETABLES AND SUGARCANE IN JAMAICA

Currently, only 10% of the cultivated lands in Jamaica are irrigated, and as a result farmers are highly dependent on seasonal rainfall. For this reason, a study was undertaken in order to determine monthly irrigation requirements for three study sites, for both vegetables and sugarcane. A proper scientific methodology was applied to achieve this information on crop water requirements in Jamaica for the first time. In addition, the cumulative frequencies of monthly and seasonal rainfall depths were analyzed, and this information used to develop monthly rainfall values, as well as seasonal rainfall values for different return periods for the sites. Each study site was found to be unique in its irrigation requirements, which highlights the climatic and soil variability across the island. However, all three sites were similar in their need for irrigation during the months of March and April for vegetables, signifying that this is a universally dry period across the island. This information is meant to provide a foundation for irrigation planning and water management strategies during water‐scarce conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.