Articles
A REDUCED EARLY-SEASON IRRIGATION SCHEDULE FOR PECANS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
Article number
1070_25
Pages
225 – 230
Language
English
Abstract
Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] tree stem water potential (ψ), shoot length, nut yield, and nut quality for the following treatments were evaluated in a commercial pecan orchard in Berrien County, Georgia; 1) current recommended irrigation schedule; 2) a reduced early-season irrigation schedule, and 3) non-irrigated control.
Water Stress on pecan occurred at about -0.78 MPa using the pressure chamber to measure stem ψ. Regression analysis suggests that irrigation scheduling for mature pecan trees may be needed when volumetric water content reaches 10% on Tifton loamy sand soil.
The reduced early-season irrigation schedule provided a 38% reduction in irrigation water use with no significant effect on pecan tree water stress, yield, or quality, suggesting that pecan trees can tolerate moderate early-season water stress with no effect on pecan yield or quality under Southeastern US environmental conditions.
Water Stress on pecan occurred at about -0.78 MPa using the pressure chamber to measure stem ψ. Regression analysis suggests that irrigation scheduling for mature pecan trees may be needed when volumetric water content reaches 10% on Tifton loamy sand soil.
The reduced early-season irrigation schedule provided a 38% reduction in irrigation water use with no significant effect on pecan tree water stress, yield, or quality, suggesting that pecan trees can tolerate moderate early-season water stress with no effect on pecan yield or quality under Southeastern US environmental conditions.
Authors
L. Wells
Keywords
Carya illinoinensis, water use, stem water potential, soil moisture
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