5. Smart irrigation system for precision water management: effect on yield and fruit quality of yellow fleshed kiwifruit in northern Italy

Abstract

The study aimed at evaluating the effect of the type of irrigation system and amount of water supplied on vine yield and kiwifruit quality at harvest and after cold storage. The irrigation systems included a control with a single line (T0; water supplied considering daily evapotranspiration); and two system (single line -T1 and double lines -T2) where water was returned according to soil matric potential. The use of probes reduced water by 44% (T1) and 11% (T2) and increased fruit soluble solid concentration and dry matter at all sampling dates in comparison to control.