ISHS Acta Horticulturae 792: V International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops
WATER STRESS ASSESSMENT FOR IRRIGATION SCHEDULING OF DECIDUOUS TREES |
| Author: | Amos Naor |
| Keywords: | irrigation scheduling, water stress, water potential, deciduous orchards |
| Abstract:
The crop coefficient for a non-stressed crop should be adjusted for each particular orchard due to variations in actual canopy size, crop level and irrigation efficiency (the proportion of the irrigation water that is available for the trees). Similarly, irrigation coefficients in phenological stages where deficit irrigation is applied should be adjusted for each particular plot – the use of water stress indicators may assist the growers in the adjustment process. The advantages and disadvantages of the water stress indicators currently available for growers are presented. These include the responsiveness to moisture availability, variability of the measurements, setting thresholds and the adjustment of thresholds for varying weather conditions. The suitability of the water stress indicators for deficit irrigation (stress conditions) is also discussed. The potential use of thermal imaging is discussed in general. The process of making decisions on irrigation is complex because it involves many factors (physiological, phenological, agronomical, meteorological and economic). There is room for decision support systems that would aid the decision making process and simplify it for the grower. The potential benefits of using decision support systems are discussed in general. | |
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