Water savings of 1-1.5 Megalitres/hectare can be achieved by growing fruit utilising the Regulated Deficit Irrigation [RDI] technique.
It was decided as a result of the meeting that a demonstration site would be set up on a property kindly offered by Tresco fruit grower, Mick Taverna.
When applying RDI, the amount of water used to irrigate trees is reduced when fruit growth is slow or after harvest. Although, the trees are given ample water during the times of rapid growth of fruit. If RDI is managed properly there is no reduction in the size of fruit or yield and can result in up to a 30% reduction in water use.
You can learn more about RDI from the agriculture note Irrigation scheduling for regulated deficit irrigation (RDI).
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Self Serve
The site is set up so growers can come and inspect it as often as they like and at thier conveineience.
At the site data comparing RDI to normally managed trees is being collected, such as,
- Water Applied
- Fruit Size
- Shoot length
- Soil Moisture
- Leaf temperature,
Some of the data can be checked by visitors at the site and some is being collected and displayed on 'Score Boards' placed strategically in the orchard.
The site is evolving as the season continues, so growers are advised to keep calling in. The middle of the afternoon is the best time to see the RDI tree's at their 'Thirstiest'.
Pages will be added during the season [journal style], so please keep checking.
Please feel free to contact one of our Fruitcheque team for further information or assistance.
You may also find more useful information on the Fruitcheque Drought Strategies page for season 2007/2008.
Journal Entries | Google Map showing the location of the demonstration site and where to start.
Recording data on the 'orchard scoreboard' |
