Articles
Practices for improving drip irrigation of blueberry in substrate
Article number
1440_40
Pages
289 – 296
Language
English
Abstract
In recent years, global production of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in substrate has witnessed a substantial increase.
Nonetheless, numerous questions persist regarding optimal irrigation practices for plants cultivated in soilless media.
To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a 3-year study in a retractable-roof greenhouse in Aurora, Oregon, USA. Our investigation focused on assessing the impact of three drip configurations (2, 4, or 8 emitters per pot) in combination with different irrigation set points (-2 or -4 kPa) and irrigation frequencies (continuous or short pulses) on growth and fruit production in the southern highbush cultivar, ‘Legacy’. The plants were grown in 25-L pots filled with a commercial mix of peat and coir.
To regulate irrigation set points, tensiometers were installed in the center of the pots to measure the water potential of the substrate.
Once triggered, irrigation was applied (along with liquid fertilizers) using either a single continuous pulse of up to 45 min or a series of short 3-min pulses every 15 min.
The total volume of water applied at each pulse was determined using electronic scales.
Irrigation was fully automated and controlled using a data logger.
During year 2, shoot growth and yield was higher in treatments with eight emitters per pot, but this difference disappeared by year 3. Root development was notably superior in pots with eight emitters.
Both pulsing and a lower set point negatively impacted the ability to maintain matric potential.
Overall, the best performing treatments were those with continuous irrigation, a higher set point, and eight emitters per pot.
Nonetheless, numerous questions persist regarding optimal irrigation practices for plants cultivated in soilless media.
To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a 3-year study in a retractable-roof greenhouse in Aurora, Oregon, USA. Our investigation focused on assessing the impact of three drip configurations (2, 4, or 8 emitters per pot) in combination with different irrigation set points (-2 or -4 kPa) and irrigation frequencies (continuous or short pulses) on growth and fruit production in the southern highbush cultivar, ‘Legacy’. The plants were grown in 25-L pots filled with a commercial mix of peat and coir.
To regulate irrigation set points, tensiometers were installed in the center of the pots to measure the water potential of the substrate.
Once triggered, irrigation was applied (along with liquid fertilizers) using either a single continuous pulse of up to 45 min or a series of short 3-min pulses every 15 min.
The total volume of water applied at each pulse was determined using electronic scales.
Irrigation was fully automated and controlled using a data logger.
During year 2, shoot growth and yield was higher in treatments with eight emitters per pot, but this difference disappeared by year 3. Root development was notably superior in pots with eight emitters.
Both pulsing and a lower set point negatively impacted the ability to maintain matric potential.
Overall, the best performing treatments were those with continuous irrigation, a higher set point, and eight emitters per pot.
Publication
Authors
S.T. Orr, C. Souto, C.R. Bobo-Shisler, D.R. Bryla
Keywords
automation, drip emitter, fruit production, pulse irrigation, root development, Vaccinium spp
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