Irrigation—Principles & Practices
Part 1 – 252 | Unit 1.5
Appendix 5: Critical Periods for Soil Water Stress
by Crop
Appendix 5: Critical Periods for Soil Water Stress by CropApples: During spring growth, flowering,
fruit set and developmentArugula: During vegetative growthBasil: Maturity, to prevent stress-induced
floweringBeans: Flowering, seed set, pod
developmentBeets: Regular water as roots developBroccoli: Head developmentBrussels Sprouts: Vegetative and sprout
developmentCabbage: Head developmentCarrots: Early root development, regular
water to prevent crackingCauliflower: Head developmentCilantro: During vegetative growthCollards: During vegetative growthCorn: During crown root development, at
pollination and kernel developmentCucumbers: Flowering and fruit
developmentEggplant: All stagesFennel: Bulb developmentKiwifruit: During spring growth, flowering,
and fruit setLeeks: All stagesLettuce, head: Head development,
pre-harvestLettuce, leaf: All stages, pre-harvestMelons: Flowering and fruit setOnions, garlic, shallots: During bulb
enlargementParsley: All stagesParsnips: Early root developmentPeas: Flowering, pollination, pod
enlargementPears: During spring growth, flowering and
fruit setPeppers: All stages, but allow dry-down
between wateringsPlums: During spring growth, flowering,
fruit set and developmentPotatoes: Tuber enlargement, from flower
to die-backPumpkins: Flowering, fruit set and
developmentRadishes: All stagesSmall grains: During crown root
development, heading, floweringSquashes (summer and winter): Flowering,
fruit developmentTomatoes: All stages, but especially
flowering and fruitingFlowers: Bud development through
flowering, and pre-harvest