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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #385042
Research Project: Sustaining Agroecosystems and Water Resources in the Northeastern U.S.

Location: Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research

Title: Advancements in spring frost protection to sustain cranberry production in Massachusetts

Author
item JERANYAMA, PETER - University Of Massachusetts
item Kennedy, Casey

Submitted to: Agronomy Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/27/2021
Publication Date: 11/24/2021
Citation: Jeranyama, P., Kennedy, C.D. 2021. Advancements in spring frost protection to sustain cranberry production in Massachusetts. Agronomy Journal. p. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20928.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20928

Interpretive Summary: Protecting cranberries from frost is essential to modern cranberry production. Scientists at ARS and the University of Massachusetts report on the cost savings and environmental benefits of automated frostprotection. Automated irrigation cycling reduces water use from 35 to 77% for spring frost protection ofcranberries. Irrigation automation shows potential to reduce production costs and conserve water resources in cranberry production.

Technical Abstract: American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is a long lived perennial vining woody plant that produces buds on its uprights in autumn. The newly formed buds have to overwinter and should acquire adequate winter hardening to also withstand spring frost damage. Once the buds have broken dormancy, they will need to be protected for possible exposure to much colder temperature. Conventional spring frost control is by overhead (sprinkler) irrigation in which once a temperature of 1-2oC above tolerance (based on phenology of the bud) has been reached, pumps run continuously into the early morning. Conventional approach results in application of excessive amount of water on the cranberry bed. Environmental concerns about excessive water application on a frost night has led researchers to develop a frost cycling irrigation system that has a potential of reducing amount of water applied. Irrigation cycling on a frost night depend on temperatures sensors installed on the bed that are automated to the pump to trigger an “on-off” when the air temperature rises above or below the critical temperature. This paper examines information on the horticultural and hydrological effects of on-off "cycling" of irrigation pumps based on pre-programmed temperature setpoints. We draw heavily on three years of monitoring conducted by the authors to quantify the relative effects of cycled and conventional spring frost irrigation on cranberry bud damage, crop yield, and water use.