Irrigation modelling of peach and nectarine (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.) was carried out to establish a uniform basis and a framework for irrigation recommendations throughout Israel. The proposed model was based on analysis of the coefficient of water consumption (based on class A pan evaporation) of peach trees irrigated when soil matric potential reached ca. -35 kPa. The model integrated the crop morphology (canopy coverage) and physiology (fruit ripening effect), irrespective of evaporative demand. The model predicted that in addition to evaporative demand, the harvest date is a major determinant of annual water consumption. Irrigation recommendations for diverse environmental conditions, based on the model, is carried out according to the long term average class A pan evaporation data, adjusted by it's daily measurement.
Irrigation modelling of peach and nectarine (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.) was carried out to establish a uniform basis and a framework for irrigation recommendations throughout Israel. The proposed model was based on analysis of the coefficient of water consumption (based on class A pan evaporation) of peach trees irrigated when soil matric potential reached ca. -35 kPa. The model integrated the crop morphology (canopy coverage) and physiology (fruit ripening effect), irrespective of evaporative demand. The model predicted that in addition to evaporative demand, the harvest date is a major determinant of annual water consumption. Irrigation recommendations for diverse environmental conditions, based on the model, is carried out according to the long term average class A pan evaporation data, adjusted by it's daily measurement.