Abstract: The basic task of a modern sustainable agricultural economy is the rational
management of natural resources. This study aims to estimate the water requirements
of Jerusalem artichoke in Central Poland in the vegetation period of 20 years. This
plant is used as an important energy plant and has a significant potential for biomass
production. The water requirements were identified with the potential evapotranspiration
and considered using the method of plant coefficients based on reference evapotranspiration.
The calculations concerned the vegetation period of Jerusalem artichoke, which, according
to the assumptions, begins on 21 May and ends on 31 October. The method of crop coefficients
is based on reference evapotranspiration (ETo). The result showed that the average
water requirements of Jerusalem artichoke during the growing season ranged from 304
to 317 mm, with the highest monthly water requirements occurring in June and July.
A significant upward trend in the water requirements was observed throughout Central
Poland, increasing by 4.6 to 8.7 mm in each subsequent decade. The greatest rainfall
deficit occurred in the period from June to August and amounted to 41, 106, and 150
mm in normal, medium dry, and very dry years, respectively. The results will allow
for precise and economical management of natural water resources during supplementary
irrigation of Jerusalem artichoke and will contribute to increasing the cultivation
area of this species in Central Poland. In addition, an important aspect of this type
of cultivation is the growing demand for green energy, as well as economic aspects.
