HIGHLIGHTS:

The equation to calculate Kc as a function of the normalized difference vegetation index exhibited an adjusted R² = 0.92.

The simple and dual crop coefficients show the importance of local adjustment, since the results are different from FAO 56.

The total evapotranspiration values of the crop show the importance of irrigation, especially during the dry season.

ABSTRACT

Sorghum is of significant economic importance for Northeastern Brazil, since it exhibits high growth rates in regions with irregular rainfall distribution and high temperatures, and is an alternative to corn, which has greater water requirements. Despite being a traditional crop in the region, there are few studies on irrigation management in the Apodi plateau. The aim of this study was to determine the evapotranspiration of the crop and the crop coefficient (Kc) for the different stages of sorghum growth in two cycles, and establish the relationship between the Kc and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) obtained by radiometry. Two weighing lysimeters were used to estimate crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was estimated by the Penman-Monteith method (FAO) and the crop coefficient determined using two methodologies: simple Kc and dual Kc. Total crop evapotranspiration in the two cycles was 452 and 557 mm. The ETc value was 23% higher in the second cycle compared to the first. The maximum Kc values ​​for the first and second cycles were 1.21 and 1.35, respectively, using the dual Kc methodology. The linear relationship found between the Kc values ​​and the NDVI allows monitoring and estimating the water requirements of the crop.

Key words:
Sorghum bicolor; water consumption; water resources; irrigation management