مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Effects of Different Mulching and Irrigation Programmes on Vegatative Development and Water Comsumption in Drip-irrigated Apple Trees

Abstract :

This study was conducted during consecutive years (2009-2011) at Eğirdir Fruit Research Station. In this study, tfe effects of different mulch materials and irrigation programs were determined on plant water consumption and vegetative development in newly planted apple orchard. Fuji apple variety grafted on M9 rootstock was used in the study and treatments were started after planting years (2009). Four different mulch treatments (black textile, wheat straw, rose oil processing wastes and no mulch) and three different irrigation programs (starting at irrigation when available water holding capacity of 20, 40 and 60 % at the effective root zone was used) for each mulch treatment were in the study. Less irrigation water was used in treatments used black textile and also the treatments had less water consumption in similar irrigation programs. While applied irrigation water ranged between 272-363 mm for black textile mulch in first irrigation program, applied irrigation water ranged between 402-461 mm. Water saving was obtained from black textile treatments compared to control as 21-32 %. Water saving was obtained from mulch treatments compared to control as 22-40 %, 20-35 % and 16-26 % in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The treatment with starting at irrigation when available water holding capacity of 20 % used was determined the most suitable irrigation program with mulch treatments for the highest vegetative growth. As a result, mulch treatments increased vegetative development (shoot numbers, shoot length, trunk cross-sectional area, leaf area index) compared to control treatments. Black textile was more effective than straw and rose oil processing wastes. Recommended irrigation is according to the 1st irrigation program (starting at irrigation when available water holding capacity of 20 % at the effective root zone was used) when the available water resources are sufficient or 2nd irrigation program (starting at irrigation when available water holding capacity of 40 % at the effective root zone was used) together with mulch materials when water resources are scarce (irrigation interval is longer) because 2nd irrigation program had no negative effects on vegettaive growth of apple trees.