Saffron yield and quality as influenced by different irrigation methods

Abstract

Dried stigma of saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. In Iran, the majority of saffron farms use the traditional basin method for irrigation, which, together with other irrigation methods may soon face serious problems because of droughts in the future. Making an evaluation of the regional crop response to the irrigation method is important to the adoption of a proper irrigation management strategy. In this study, the effect of employing different irrigation methods, including the sprinkler, drip, furrow, and basin, on the following factors was evaluated: the saffron stigma dry weight, quality, water use efficiency (WUE), and Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) in the arid climate of Qaen, South Khorasan, Iran, over three consecutive crop years. The experiment was undertaken using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that seasonal saffron Evapotranspiration (ETC) was recorded as 356.5, 339.1, and 330.7 mm, in 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively, as a result of administering the treatments. Saffron yield as well as WUE and IWUE were found to respond to the various irrigation methods except in the first year. In total, maximum stigma dry weight and water use efficiencies were reached in the third growing season using the drip irrigation method. Judging by the results, the drip irrigation method for saffron production is to be preferred. Additionally, the quality level of saffron was found to be acceptable. However, due to higher crocin content, the quality of saffron irrigated by the sprinkler method was somewhat higher.

Towards crop yield estimation at a finer spatial resolution using machine learning methods over agricultural regions

“…However, there are still some limitations in the following aspects. More input data types that better represent the physical mechanism of regional crop yield may improve the ability of machine learning, such as SIF, primary productivity (Jaafar and Ahmad 2015), soil moisture (Holzman et al 2014;Schut et al 2009) and irrigation (Mollafilabi et al 2020;Salmerón et al 2012). The yield transformation method based on crop types and planting area was not comprehensive enough.…”

The emerging saffron value chain in the M’Zab valley – southern Algeria: an analysis of ongoing dynamics and strategic development options

“…Saffron has long been considered a minor crop used merely for the needs of agricultural diversification. In recent years, saffron has acquired a more interesting role in low-input farming systems (no use of fertilizers and chemical treatments, low irrigation water requirement), becoming a viable alternative for sustainable agriculture (Mollafilabi et al, 2021;Dar et al, 2017;Sahabi et al, 2016;Gresta et al, 2008). Indeed, given its morphology and physiology, saffron is a rustic crop able to cope with severe weather conditions (Alizadeh et al, 2009;Molina et al, 2005).…”