Optimizing precision in orchard irrigation and nutrient management

Publication date: 29/06/2019
Extent: 56 pages

Contributions by: Denise Neilsen and Gerry Neilsen, Summerland Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada

Chapter synopsis: Precise water and nutrient management in fruit production systems has become a key area of study over recent years, not only due to the changing climate but also due to increased demand for fruit from a growing population as part of a healthy diet. Irrigated fruit production has been proven to be both reliable and more efficient than rain-fed production and the trend is towards high efficiency irrigated systems. This chapter documents both precision management of irrigation and nutrients in orchards (mainly apple, pear, sweet cherry and peach). Precision management of irrigation is discussed in detail including the use of efficient irrigation systems, matching water supply to plant demand, reducing evaporation from the soil surface and responding to drought. A further section on nutrient management covers both ferti-irrigation or fertigation, where nutrients are dissolved in irrigation water, and foliar application, where dissolved nutrients are applied directly to the fruit tree in dilute water sprays.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2018.0040.08