Threshold tension irrigation of 'Manzanilo' olive by the CommonSensor (CS), a new irrigation controller, enabled the plant to irrigate itself autonomously, by drying the soil near the device, and controlling an irrigation valve. Exposing part of the root system to precise threshold tension controlled irrigation improved water use efficiency, and fruit quality. Neutron scattering measurements showed that the CS controlled the irrigation depth and complemented soil water utilization from winter rains, thereby minimizing drainage. Irrigating olive at-10 kPa threshold tension saved ca. 50% water as compared to current recommendations while-20 kPa saved ca. 75% and doubled water use efficiency. The frequency of the autonomous irrigation was found to be a function of the threshold tension chosen, the evaporative demand, the available soil water, plant parameters (i.e. leaf area) and the irrigation layout. The autonomous approach for precise irrigation was found promising and has the advantage of compiling the complex interactions between these parameters and the dynamic nature of plant water consumption.
Threshold tension autonomous irrigation (TTAI) of olive controls irrigation efficiency, water use efficiency and fruit quality
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Klein, I., Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Threshold tension autonomous irrigation (TTAI) of olive controls irrigation efficiency, water use efficiency and fruit quality
Threshold tension irrigation of 'Manzanilo' olive by the CommonSensor (CS), a new irrigation controller, enabled the plant to irrigate itself autonomously, by drying the soil near the device, and controlling an irrigation valve. Exposing part of the root system to precise threshold tension controlled irrigation improved water use efficiency, and fruit quality. Neutron scattering measurements showed that the CS controlled the irrigation depth and complemented soil water utilization from winter rains, thereby minimizing drainage. Irrigating olive at-10 kPa threshold tension saved ca. 50% water as compared to current recommendations while-20 kPa saved ca. 75% and doubled water use efficiency. The frequency of the autonomous irrigation was found to be a function of the threshold tension chosen, the evaporative demand, the available soil water, plant parameters (i.e. leaf area) and the irrigation layout. The autonomous approach for precise irrigation was found promising and has the advantage of compiling the complex interactions between these parameters and the dynamic nature of plant water consumption.