Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2000: 2(2): 108-110

Effects of different irrigation methods and moisture regimes on vegetative growth parameters of Starking Delicious apple trees

Orta, A H; Akcay, M E; Erdem, T

Department of Farm Structure and Structure and Irrigation, Faculty of Tekirda Agriculture, University of Trakya, 59030 - Tekirda, Turkey.

This study was conducted in Turkey in 1997 and 1999 to investigate the effects of different irrigation methods and regimes on the vegetative growth of "Starking Delicious" apple trees under Thrace conditions. Drip and surface (ponding) irrigation methods were the basic treatments while the allowable depletion levels of soil moisture (40% and 70% of available water holding capacity) in 120 cm soil depth were sub treatments. Seasonal evapotranspiration and total amount of irrigation water in drip irrigation plots were lower than those of surface irrigation plots (62.7% and 72.5%, respectively). However, the effect of irrigation regimes on vegetative growth parameters was nonsignificant. Drip irrigation gave better results than surface irrigation when irrigation water requirements, evapotranspiration, and vegetative growth parameters were evaluated together. In conclusion, it can be suggested that drip irrigation should be preferred for apple trees under Thrace conditions and irrigation water should be applied when moisture reaches 40% of the available water holding capacity.