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Irrigation scheduling in a mature peach orchard using tensiometers and dendrometers

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Irrigation and Drainage Systems

Abstract

Three trickle irrigation schedules, two of which were scheduled according to soil water potential (ψ soil) (tensiometer method) and daily stem contraction (DSC) (dendrometer method) respectively and the other one was a schedule of restricted water supply, were applied to a mature peach orchard.

The annual water application based on ψsoil was greater than that based on DSC. However, tree growth, fruit size and leaf water potential (ψleaf) on the trees in the dendrometer scheduling plot did not differ from those in the tensiometer scheduling plot while the premature fruit drop and fruit bud initiation were greatly different. The restricted water supply treatment limited significantly both tree and fruit growth. In addition, the lower ψleaf was observed on the trees in this plot.

Further study shows that use of the dendrometer method for scheduling irrigation satisfies the water needs of the plant and that the tensiometer method is less accurate.

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Abbreviations

ψleaf:

leaf water potential

ψsoil:

soil water potential

DSC:

daily stem contraction

LVDT:

linear variable displacement transducer

PET:

potential evapotranspiration

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Author notes

  1. Shao-Hua Li

    Present address: Horticulture Department, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, The People's Republic of China

Authors and Affiliations

  1. INRA-SRIV, Domaine de Gotheron, 26320, St Marcel-les-Valence, France

    Shao-Hua Li

  2. INRA, Station d'Agronomie, Centre de Recherche Agronomique d'Avignon, 84140, Montfavet, France

    Jean-Gérard Huguet

  3. INRASRIV, Domaine de Gotheron, 26320, St Marcel-les-Valence, France

    Claude Bussi

Authors
  1. Shao-Hua Li
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  2. Jean-Gérard Huguet
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  3. Claude Bussi
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Li, SH., Huguet, JG. & Bussi, C. Irrigation scheduling in a mature peach orchard using tensiometers and dendrometers. Irrig Drainage Syst 3, 1–12 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01102813

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01102813

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