NLWRA

Citrus

Managing fertigation technologies in citrus orchards

With recent advances in technology irrigators can now more precisely control delivery of mineral nutrients and water to the roots of perennial tree crops. These technologies, collectively referred to as fertigation, provide the opportunity to adopt and implement highly technical management programs, such as open hydroponics, that use drip irrigation to deliver a balanced mixture of nutrients and water. This research bulletin provides an overview of a project, funded by the National (more)...

Knowledge & tools to manage fertigation technologies in highly productive citrus orchards for minimal environmental footprint

High frequency fertigation is being adopted by Australian citrus producers as an alternative to traditional approaches to supplying water and mineral nutrients to trees. Information, guidelines and practical tools to assess performance are insufficient to support the economic & sustainable use of these technologies for citrus production on Australian soils.

Measuring the effects of improving water use efficiency on root zone salinity

Research Bulletin 1

Since the end of 2003 a tri-state syndicate of government agencies from western NSW, Victoria and South Australia has been working on a strategy to manage this salinity hazard. This Research Bulletin draws on some of the findings to date, focusing on results of monitoring root zone salinity and deep drainage in sprinkler and drip-irrigated citrus orchards and vineyards.

Implementing partial rootzone drying

National Program for Sustainable Irrigation Fact sheet 2005/2

The partial rootzone drying (PRD) method of irrigation, originally developed for grapevines, is now being used in a range of perennial tree crops in Australia and achieving some exciting results in citrus and pears, as well as grapes.

The technique requires that wet and dry rootzones are created simultaneously around each plant.