Articles
Assessing the relationship between soil variability, canopy density, and yield in Utah tart cherry orchards
Article number
1395_21
Pages
157 – 162
Language
English
Abstract
High-elevation temperate orchard sites are primarily selected for favorable microclimate, and consequently have highly variable soil conditions, posing challenges for achieving uniformity in tree growth and yield potential.
This study aimed to assess the spatial variability of soil and its relationship with canopy density and yield in four tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) orchards located near Santaquin, Utah, USA. In 2022, soil maps for each orchard were generated by surveying apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) using an electromagnetic induction meter.
The resulting ECa maps guided the selection of sampling locations for measuring soil texture, salinity, and organic matter.
Canopy density was monitored monthly during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons using ceptometry and drone imagery.
The soil sampling results revealed significant correlations between ECa and the percentages of sand, silt, and clay.
Results additionally indicate that canopy characteristics (size and density) are closely correlated with variations in soil texture.
These canopy differences also appear correlated with yield variability.
The findings from this study indicate that yield potential could be predicted from soil maps, and that appropriate variable-rate management strategies could be useful in improving uniformity and maximizing yield potential.
This study aimed to assess the spatial variability of soil and its relationship with canopy density and yield in four tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) orchards located near Santaquin, Utah, USA. In 2022, soil maps for each orchard were generated by surveying apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) using an electromagnetic induction meter.
The resulting ECa maps guided the selection of sampling locations for measuring soil texture, salinity, and organic matter.
Canopy density was monitored monthly during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons using ceptometry and drone imagery.
The soil sampling results revealed significant correlations between ECa and the percentages of sand, silt, and clay.
Results additionally indicate that canopy characteristics (size and density) are closely correlated with variations in soil texture.
These canopy differences also appear correlated with yield variability.
The findings from this study indicate that yield potential could be predicted from soil maps, and that appropriate variable-rate management strategies could be useful in improving uniformity and maximizing yield potential.
Authors
K. Wedegaertner, B. Black, A. Safre, C. Lilligren, G. Cardon, A. Torres-Rua
Keywords
ceptometry, electrical conductivity, precision management, spatial variability, tart cherry
Groups involved
- Division Temperate Tree Nuts
- Division Vine and Berry Fruits
- Division Temperate Tree Fruits
- Division Precision Horticulture and Engineering
- Division Plant-Environment Interactions in Field Systems
- Division Tropical and Subtropical Fruit and Nuts
- Working Group Precision Management of Orchards and Vineyards
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