Summer Irrigation Makes the Crop

Summer Irrigation Makes the Crop

Summertime. At this point in the growing season, fruit for tree and vine crops has long been set. Now, the challenge is to bring as much of this yield potential to harvest, and at the desired quality.  Irrigation management is crucial to achieve this goal. For most crops, irrigation should provide readily available soil moisture continuously so that fruit and nuts can expand or be filled without any stress. Drought stress during the summer can lead to fruit drop and undersized or misshapen fruit, lowering the sales value of the crop or increasing the percentage of rejects.

In quality wine grapes, however, the correct level of stress will result in higher quality: Smaller berries, more color and tannins, and higher sugars. To reap the full benefits of regulated deficit irrigation in wine grapes, it is important to dial-in and maintain the appropriate stress level.

The Cost of Over-Irrigation

Whether irrigating fully to avoid any stress or applying regulated deficit irrigation – too much water is detrimental even now. Over-irrigation can cause saturated conditions in the root zone, which stress crops much more when the soil is warm and the weather is hot than during the cooler springtime. Saturated root zones are quickly depleted of oxygen. Without the available oxygen, the roots will shut down the uptake of both nutrients and water, in turn limiting photosynthesis and stopping growth until air can get to the roots again. Longer periods of waterlogging can cause wilting, which may prompt the irrigator to apply even more water, starting a vicious cycle of over-irrigation. Root diseases such as phytophthora are also promoted by too much water in the root zone. Last but not least, over-irrigation is costly because it increases pumping cost, pushes water beyond the root zone where it is lost for the crop, and leaches nitrogen and other nutrients into the groundwater.

Irrigation Drives Crop Success

Until harvest, irrigation will be the main driver for a good crop – or a major reason why things did not turn out as well as hoped for. To ensure success, continue to check for infiltration problems/runoff, the correct depth of water penetration, and monitor for leaks and blockages. WaterBit technology can make irrigation management easier and more precise:  Soil moisture sensors can monitor water penetration and available soil moisture; pressure sensors keep tabs on correct water delivery; valve automation enables precise timing; and pump control allows for irrigation when it is needed. And, WaterBit is working 24/7 in all seasons to provide you with remote irrigation monitoring and control from anywhere via a computer, tablet, or smartphone.