Phytomonitoring technique for tuning irrigation of fruit trees.
Ton Y., Kopyt M., Zachs I., Ben-Ner Z.
Author Affiliation: PhyTech LTD., Yad Mordechai 79145, Ashkelon, Israel.
: 127-132
Abstract : There are two standard techniques for scheduling irrigation of orchards: soil moisture monitoring and evaluation of evapotranspiration through the use of a standard pan or Penman-Monteith model. Limitations of these techniques are well known. Nowadays, the use of physiological indicators for assessing the dynamics of plant water status has attracted the attention of many growers and experts. Large-scale field tests of a phytomonitoring technique and instrumentation were carried out in Israel in 2000. Several dozen phytomonitors were installed in apple, plum, peach, kiwi, mango and persimmon orchards and in avocado, citrus, table grape and banana plantations. Besides environmental factors, the trunk, shoot and fruit growth were monitored. The phytomonitoring technique was used for fine-tuning irrigation scheduling focusing on two objectives: good yields achieved with less water. Encouraging results have been obtained in most cases. Many growers have reported substantial savings in water coupled with good yields and quality.