Agrometeorology and water needs of crops

Abstract

This paper aims to present some agrometeorological methods useful for water management in agriculture discussing the existing technology and giving some insights about research and development activities in this field. After a general discussion about the importance of water for plants and more generally for the ecosystem the agrometerological aspects of water balance are discussed and opportunities of use of forecasts are also presented. Some effects of climatic change on water needs of crops are also discussed.