Physiological and Productive Response of Solanum tuberosum L. var. Superchola to Water Deficit in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador

In light of the evident water scarcity and the challenges posed by climate change, this study aimed to evaluate the physiological, phenological, and productive responses of the potato crop (var. Superchola) under water deficit conditions, with the goal of optimizing water use in Tungurahua Province, Ecuador. Crop tolerance to water stress was assessed using drainage lysimeters under a completely randomized block design with three treatments and three replications: 100% ETo, 75% ETo, and 50% ETo. Soil and climatic parameters were characterized, and the crop coefficient (Kc) was calculated and adjusted for each phenological stage. The results showed that, although the full irrigation treatment (100% ETo) yielded the highest production, the application of a moderate water deficit (75% ETo) achieved a 16.2% water saving without significantly affecting crop yield or development. The maximum Kc value recorded was 1.22 during the maximum crop development stage.