The efficiency of irrigation in a replanted apple orchard

The aim of the study (2011-2013) was assessment of growth and yielding of apple trees (‘BeniShogun'/M.9) grown in replanted orchard. Undersowing the trees with white mustard and irrigation (performed on the basis of soil moisture measurements) were the experimental factors. Irrigation significantly affected plant growth, whereas no positive effect of white mustard application on performance of apple tree was observed. The trees started to yield in the third year after planting and yielding was different in the subsequent years of the study. A positive influence of irrigation on yield and fruit quality was observed. Undersowing the trees with white mustard reduced fruit yield and worsened its quality. It was especially visible on the non-irrigated plots. The results confirmed high effectiveness of irrigation of apple trees grown in replanted apple orchards ...