Abstract

Impact assessment of drippers� distribution around the tree on soil moisture, roots and fruits growth of Citrus

Author(s): A. Abouatallah, R. Salghi, A. El Fadl, N. Affi, Y. Ghnizar, A. Zarrouk, B. Hammouti

In this study, we attempted to assess the effect of various drippers’ distribution around the tree on soil moisture, salinity, flowering and fruit development. The trial focused on a 5 years old Clementine of ‘Nules’ grafted onto sour-orange under drip system on a clay loam soil. Four treatments (8 drippers per tree double lines, 6 drippers per tree double lines, 4 drippers per tree double lines and 4 drippers per tree single drip-line) were compared with control (2 drippers per tree on single line). The results show that the treatment with six drippers around the tree, gave the best distribution of fine roots and soil moisture, while moisturizing only the root zone without causing water losses, therefore a better water use efficiency. Treatments using eight drippers or four drippers per tree on single or double drip-line are more stressful so more favorable to flowering. Although, no effect is observed on fruit set and fruit drop. However, fruit size was higher in the double drip-lines treatments, especially in those with four or six drip emitters.

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