Adaptation approaches for irrigation and foliar feeding of micronutrient in Camelina production

Abstract

Climate change and its effects on water scarcity in semi-arid regions have intensified, underscoring the importance of conserving water during non-sensitive growth stages. Additionally, climate-smart management practices, such as the foliar application of micronutrients, can influence crop yields. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of irrigation methods (I1: full irrigation; I2: deficit irrigation during vegetative stages) and foliar application of micronutrients (M0: control; M1: iron; M2: zinc) on the characteristics of Camelina in two regions in northwest and west Iran (L1: Parsabad; L2: Damaq). Water deficiency significantly delayed seedling emergence, especially in the Parsabad region. Longitudinal growth of the plants was greater in the Damaq region than in Parsabad, and this growth increased with the application of micronutrients, particularly zinc. The highest lateral growth was recorded in L1I1M2 (39.36 cm). Deficit irrigation reduced leaf greenness in both regions. The negative effects of deficit irrigation on growth and yield components were more pronounced in the Parsabad region. The highest biomass and grain yield values were observed in L2I1M2. Deficit irrigation reduced grain yield by approximately 400 kg/ha. Overall, the results indicate that the application of deficit irrigation in the relatively warm climate of Parsabad was not effective, as the grain yield loss outweighed the amount of water saved. Foliar application of zinc partially compensated for the effects of water shortage, especially in the Damaq region. However, optimal production of Camelina in both regions requires precise irrigation at all developmental stages combined with micronutrient application.