This study was conducted to evaluate methods of balancing climatic demand (ECA = class A tank evaporation and PRP = rainfall) with soil conditions (CAD = water storage capacity) of na Hapludox soil, in order to manage supplementary water of alfalfa cultivar Crioula on field conditions. Therefore, the behavior of alfalfa under three soil water conditions (H1 = no irrigation; H2 = efficient water use at plants full vegetative stage when ECA -- PRP > or = 30 mm; H3 = full use of water during the entire plant cycle when ECA -- PRP > or = 20 mm) were evaluated based on these methods, looking of efficient water use by alfalfa. Results indicated that the technology employed is very efficient in managing supplementary water, in the Hapludox, and that increasing not economic returns with alfalfa, by way of efficient water use (H2 = ECA -- PRP > or = 30 mm), can be achieved.
alfalfa; climatic conditions; soil conditions; irrigation; forage yield
