This work was carried out to evaluate a practical method for the irrigation water management for alfalfa (Medicago sativa) cultivation. The study was conducted in a Red-Yellow Latosol (Hapludox) soil, and the variables studied were: "A" tank evaporation (CAE), rainfall (R) and water storage capacity of the soil (WSC). Treatments consisted of three hydric conditions: H1: no irrigation; H2: supplement irrigation when CAE - PRP > or = 30 mm from full vegetative stage on plant; H3: supplement irrigation when CAE - PRP > or = 20 mm during entire plant cycle. It was found that the method for the Red-Yellow Latosol using CAE - R = 20 to 30 mm is consistent with the WSC, and that efficiency of utilization usage of water applied can be increased, without decreasing the forage yield.
Medicago sativa; yields; water balance; precipitation; soil water retention
