Author
 |
Wang, Dong |
|
Zhang, Huihui |
|
Gartung, Jimmie |
|
Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 11/29/2016 Publication Date: 12/4/2016 Citation: Wang, D., Zhang, H., Gartung, J.L. 2016. Infrared thermometry for deficit irrigation of peach trees. Irrigation Show 2016 and Education Conference, December 5-9, 2016, Las Vegas, Nevada. p. 130-133. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Water shortage has been a major concern for crop production in the western states of the USA and other arid regions in the world. Deficit irrigation can be used in some cropping systems as a potential water saving strategy to alleviate water shortage, however, the margin of error in irrigation management becomes smaller. For early-maturing peach varieties, it has been demonstrated that established orchards are not sensitive to moderate water stress in the non-fruit bearing postharvest growth periods. In a multi-year field study, an early-maturing peach was irrigated using furrow, drip, and micro-sprinkler systems under both full and deficit irrigation schemes. Peach tree water status was monitored using periodic stem water potential measurements and thermal infrared temperature sensors in real-time. The data was used to derive a plant water status and canopy temperature function. The functional relationship was subsequently applied in the experiment for irrigation scheduling. The field study demonstrated the feasibility of managing postharvest deficit irrigation of early season peaches using the infrared thermometry measurement. The postharvest deficit irrigation was reasonably successful for peach production with significant water savings. |
