Leaf Nutrition and Soil Nutrients Are Affected by Irrigation Frequency and Method for NP-Fertigated `Gala' Apple

Abstract

<jats:p>`Gala' apple <jats:italic>(Malus domestica</jats:italic> Borkh) on M.26 rootstock was subjected, in the first five growing seasons, to NP-fertigation and a factorial combination of treatments involving method and frequency of irrigation. Two types of emitters (drip or microjet) were used to apply the same quantity of water at high (daily), intermediate (about weekly) and low (about bi-weekly) irrigation frequencies. Although initial tree vigor and yield were higher for drip-fertigated trees, by the end of the study microjet fertigation produced larger trees of similar yield. These microjet fertigated trees had higher leaf P, K and Cu but lower leaf N, Mg, and Mn than drip-fertigated trees. Soil pH and extractable Mg and K concentrations were higher and extractable-P concentrations lower directly beneath microjet-emitters as a result of the larger fertigated soil volume relative to drip-emitters. High frequency irrigation improved tree growth but had less effect on leaf nutrient concentrations or soil chemical changes than lower frequency irrigation. Leaf N concentration was most affected by irrigation frequency, tending to decrease with daily irrigation.</jats:p>

Long-term leaf mineral nutrition in ‘Pacific Gala’ apple (Malus×domesticaBorkh.) as affected by rootstock type and irrigation system during six stages of tree development

“…The reduced colour of fruit from trees with the FD irrigation system may have been due to a higher canopy temperature (data not shown), higher total N per leaf, N cm -2 leaf (Table II), and/or leaf Mg concentration (Table V), that might have resulted in more chlorophyll production, leading to less fruit colour. Neilsen et al (1995) reported that 'Gala' apple trees that received micro-sprinkler irrigation had higher leaf P, K, and Cu, but lower leaf N, Mg, and Mn concentrations than those that received drip irrigation, which is in general agreement with our results.…”

“…The rootstock can also influence scion leaf and fruit mineral concentrations and, thus, indirectly affect fruit quality and yield (Fallahi et al, 2001b, c). Neilsen et al (1995) reported that 'Gala' apple trees irrigated using a micro-jet irrigation system had higher leaf P, K, and Cu, but lower leaf N, Mg, and Mn concentrations than trees irrigated with a drip system.…”

Description of Lignified Vascular Nodules in Fruit of `Gala' and Other Apple Cultivars

“…The plots in this experiment were split, with two replicates of each treatment planted to 'Royal Gala' and two to 'Regal Gala'. A more detailed description of these experiments was published previously (Neilsen et al, 1995(Neilsen et al, , 1999.…”

Mineral Nutrient Uptake of Encore Azalea ‘Chiffon’ Affected by Nitrogen, Container, and Irrigation Frequency

“…Increased irrigation frequency with the same total amount of water has been used to reduce nutrient leaching and compensate for possible nutrient deficiency, and it has varying effects on plant growth and nutrient uptake (Fare et al, 1994;Scagel et al, 2011). Neilsen et al (1995) reported that higher frequency irrigation improved tree growth of 'Gala' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) compared with lower irrigation frequency.…”