LIVE OAK GROWTH WITH TENSIOMETER-CONTROLLED CYCLIC IRRIGATION
Miller, * L.M.1; Larsen, C.A.2; Yeager, T.H.31County Extension Agent-Commercial Horticulture, Texas AgriLife Extension, Fort Worth, TX, 76102
2Biological Scientist, Dept. of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611
3Professor, Dept. of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 32611
Abstract:
Efficient use of water resources in plant production is important for sustainability. Irrigation water is often thought of as a low cost input, but over-application wastes this valuable resource. Cyclic irrigation has been shown to result in 50% less irrigation water applied without sacrificing live oak growth (Beeson and Haydu, 1995). The use of soil moisture sensors to prevent irrigation when substrate water content is above a critical level further reduced irrigation volume applied, while still providing sufficient water for plant growth. Tensiometers integrated with an irrigation controller limited cyclic irrigation applications to when moisture tensions were > 5kPa (5 centibars) and resulted in a 62 % reduction in the volume of water applied compared to a fixed daily three cycle irrigation schedule. Because tree growth was not negatively affected, these results indicate that the Best Management Practice of scheduling irrigation based on substrate moisture is an effective way for container tree producers to conserve water.