Future Orchards Field demonstrations

Transcription

1 Future Orchards Field demonstrations WA report 212/13 season Authors: Martine Combret 1, Lisa Starkie 1 and Stephanie Faggetter 2 1 Department of Agriculture and Food, WA 2 Fruit West

2 Disclaimer: In relying on or using this document or any advice or information expressly or impliedly contained within it, you accept all risks and responsibility for loss, injury, damages, costs and other consequences of any kind whatsoever resulting directly or indirectly to you or any other person from you doing so. It is for you to obtain your own advice and conduct your own investigations and assessments of any proposals that you might be considering in light of your own circumstances. Further, the State of Western Australia, the Director General of the Department of Agriculture, The Agriculture Protection board, the authors, the publisher and their office, employees and agents: Do not warrant the accuracy, currency, reliability and correctness of this document or any advice or information expressly or impliedly contained within it; and Exclude all liability of any kind what so ever to any person arising directly or indirectly from reliance n or the use of this document or any advice or any advice or information expressly or impliedly contained within it by you or any other person. This material has been written for Western Australian conditions. Its availability does not imply suitability to other areas and any interpretation is the responsibility of the user. The product trade names in this publication are supplied on the understanding that no preference between equivalent products is intended and that the inclusion of a product does not imply endorsement by the Department of Agriculture over any other equivalent product from another manufacturer. Any omission of a trade name is unintentional. Copyright Western Australian Agriculture Authority, 213 Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 2 of 22

3 Table of Contents Objectives of demonstrations:... 4 Background:... 4 Methodology:... 4 Details of Focus orchards... 6 Focus orchard one... 6 Focus orchard two:... 7 Results:... 8 Focus orchard one... 8 Tree measurements... 8 Water use... 1 Soil moisture monitoring... 1 Monitoring of nitrate fertilisers Leaf analysis results Focus orchard two Tree measurements Water use Soil moisture monitoring Monitoring of nitrate fertilisers... 2 Conclusion on the data collected in year 1:... 2 Suggestions for next season: References: List of figures: List of pictures: List of tables: Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 3 of 22

4 Objectives of demonstrations: To monitor the movement of nitrate fertilisers in the root zone of young trees following fertigation events. To monitor young tree growth. To provide some understanding of irrigation scheduling principles. Background: Apple growers in the South West of Western Australia have thorough and substantial fertilisers programs. Many of them have only recently started delivering fertilisers via fertigation and are unfamiliar with the process. It is possible that under current practices fertilisers, particularly nitrates are leached past the shallow root zone of young trees. Leaching of fertilisers would reduce their efficiency and possibly limit canopy growth during the early years of orchard development, particularly if trees are grown on dwarfing rootstocks. Methodology: In each of the two focus orchards: Installation of tensiometers, in the tree root zone at 3 depths deep to monitor soil moisture in the rootzone. Installation of FullStop wet front detectors (( ) at two depths (in the middle of the root zone and below the bottom of the root zone) to provide : 1. a quick visual tool to check the depth of each irrigation event, and 2. a mean to collect soil solution for nutrient (nitrates) analysis. Installation of one set of Soil Solution Extractor Tubes (SSET) between 2 trees, in the tree root zone at three depths. These will provide another mean to measure nutrients concentration the soil solution. Installation of water meter in laterals to measure the volumes of water applied during the season. Picture 1: Installation of FullStop wet front detector Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 4 of 22

5 Picture 2: Full Stop operation (Courtesy of FullStop) What we planned to record and measure in year 1: As growers apply fertilisers via fertigation, it is hoped to collect soil solution from the FullStops during and shortly after a fertigation event. The presence of nitrate in the soil solution will be measured using nitrates test strips Merckoquant. Records will be made of: The amount of fertiliser applied The timing and duration of the fertiliser injection. The duration of the irrigation. The level of nitrates present in the soil solution at both depths of the root zone. Soil moisture level at the time of the fertigation Total volume of water actually applied Similar recordings will be made for at least three fertigation events at each site. The demonstration set up allows for growers to collect their own soil solution sample and measure nitrates themselves. If nitrates are detected below the bottom of the tree root zone, the grower should consider revising fertigation and/or irrigation times. Tree growth will be recorded by measuring: tree height monthly; trunk circumference area and tree row volume annually. In addition leaf samples will be collected from each site to assess the nutrition status of trees. Picture 3: Merckoquant test strips used to assess nitrates level Unfortunately, because of the irrigation set up of individual blocks, it will not be possible in year 1 to have a control area (grower s practice) and a best practices area as initially planned. Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 5 of 22

6 Details of Focus orchards Focus orchard one Table 1: Details of blocks 23 & 24 in focus orchard one Blocks: 23 & 24 Variety/ rootstock : Kanzi and Fuji /MM16 Pollinator: - Year Planted : 21 and 211 Planting distances : 4 by 1.2 m Planting density : 283 trees/ha Blocks Area : 3.3 ha Row orientation : North-South Replant: Yes Training system : Central axis Trellis : Yes Harvest 212 Nil tonnes/ha Pack out 212 Target harvest 213 n/a Nil tonnes/ha Date assessment: 8/11/212 Soil type (amended) Dark sandy loam (Gravel 2%) Depth of root zone 2 kpa (Rootzone 3 cm) Irrigation system: Output L/tree/hour Wetted area per tree: Readily Available Water per tree: (volume of water the tree can access between field capacity and 2kPa) Nb of hours of irrigation required to re-fill the rootzone to field capacity (from 2kPa) Theoretical water used: 3 cm 1.8mm or #11 L/m 2 of soil wetted area Drip Netafim Uniram AS l/hr every.6 m 2 drippers /tree or approx 3.2 L/tree/hour for the whole wetted area. For each tree: 1.2 *.6 =.72 m 2.72 m 2 X 11 = 8 L (This will increase as the root depth increases) 8 L 3.2 = 2.5 hrs (approx) Any longer and water might be lost below the bottom of the rootzone. Difficult to calculate on young trees. Tensiometers will indicate when watering is required. Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 6 of 22

7 Focus orchard two: Table 2: Details of blocks 6 & 7 in focus orchard two Block no: 7 6 Variety : Jazz Rootstock : M9 M26 Pollinator: - - Year Planted : 29 Planting distances : 3.5 by 1.2 m 4 by 1.4 m Planting density : 2,38 trees/ha 1,667 trees/ha Block Area :.8 ha.86 ha Row orientation : Replant: Training system : Trellis : SE/NW No Central axis Harvest 212 Nil Nil Pack out 212 n/a n/a Target harvest 213 Nil Nil Date assessment: 24/9/212 Soil type Loam (Gravel 32-4%) Loam (Gravel 32-4%) Yes Depth of rootzone 2 cm 4 cm 2 kpa (Rootzone 2 cm) Irrigation system: Irrigation time (to refill the soil profile from 2kPa to field capacity) Wetted area per sprinkler: Output L/tree/hour Wetted area/tree (assuming the roots are present in the whole of this area) Readily Available Water per tree: (volume of water the tree can access between field capacity and 2kPa) Nb of hours of irrigation required to re-fill the rootzone to field capacity (from 2kPa) 5.5 mm or 5.5L/m 2 of soil wetted area Mini sprinklers; 35 l/hour every 3.6 m (793/ha) or 2.8 mm/hr/ha 11 mm or 11 L/ m 2 of soil wetted area Mini sprinklers; 35 l/hour every 3 m (833/ha) or 2.9 mm/hr/ha = 2 hrs = 3.8 hrs Sprinkler has a circle of 5 m diameter or 19.6 m 2 There is some overlapping (35 X 793) 238 =11.7L (or 35 3) Sprinkler has a circle of 5 m diameter or 19.6 m 2 There is some overlapping (35 X 833) =17.5 (or 35 L 2) 3.5 X 1.2 = 4.2 m 2 4 X 1.5 = 6 m 2 If whole wetted area: 4.2 m 2 X 5.5 mm = 23.1 L If whole wetted area: 6 m 2 X 11 mm = 66 L = # 2 hours = # 3.8 hours Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 7 of 22

8 Results: Focus orchard one Tree measurements Table 3: Block 24 tree measurements 212/13 (Kanzi -block 24) September 212 January 213 September 213 Tree height 2 m m TBA Tree Row Volume (TRV) 1, m 3/ ha TBA Average tree girth 84 mm TBA Trunk Circumference Area (TCA) 5.6 cm 2 /tree TBA % full canopy 25% TBA Average nb of branches/tree 3 >15 TBA Table 4: Block 23 tree measurements 212/13 (Kanzi -block 23) September 212 January 213 September 213 Tree height 2 m m TBA Tree Row Volume (TRV) 1,125 m 3/ ha TBA Average tree girth 8 mm TBA Trunk Circumference Area (TCA) 5 cm 2 /tree TBA % full canopy 15% TBA Average nb of branches/tree 3 >15 TBA Picture 4: block 24 in September 212 Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 8 of 22

9 Picture 5: Block 24 in December 212 Picture 6: Block 24 in March 213 Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 9 of 22

10 Water use The amount of irrigation water applied during the season was calculated from the meter readings taken regularly. The total amount applied was equivalent to:.9 ML/ha or 442 L/tree/season. Using local evaporation data, this amount is approximately 15% of the theoretical estimated water use of a mature fruit bearing orchard (Fig 1). The duration of each irrigation event was recorded, most of the time (Fig 2). Figure 1: Focus orchard one-block /13 cumulated tree water use in l/tree- actual vs theory Cumulated L/tree Total monthly rainfall in mm Monthly rainfall mm Cumulated Actual irrigation l/tree 25% of Cumulated estimatedtherotical tree water use L/tree Estimated cumulated Therotical tree water use mature tree L/tree Soil moisture monitoring Tensiometers were installed between 2 drippers, in the tree root zone at depths of 25, 4 and 6 cm. Tensiometers readings were taken from time to time. A soil auger was used initially to verify tensiometers readings. Two FullStop wet front detectors (( ) were installed at depths of 3 and 5 cm. When triggered by the passing wetting front, the FullStop were not always reset. No records were kept of the response of the FullStops to the wet front following each irrigation event. Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 1 of 22

11 Figure 2: Block 24 Tensiometers readings (kpa) for 212/13 season Tensiometers -kpa Irrigation hours /11/212 19/12/212 19/1/213 19/2/213 Irrigation (hrs) 25 cm 4 cm 6 cm 35 Figure 3: Block 23 Tensiometers readings (kpa) for 212/13 season Tensiometers -kpa Irrigation hours /11/212 19/12/212 19/1/213 19/2/213 Irrigation (hrs) 25 cm 4 cm 6 cm Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 11 of 22

12 Monitoring of nitrate fertilisers Soil solution samples were collected from the SSET during 2 fertigation events on 17/12/12 and on 13/2/213. Samples were frozen until their nitrate content was measured using a Merck RQ flex meter and Merckoquant test strips Nitrate test 5-225gr/l (code ). During the fertiation event, fhe presence of nitrates in the irrigation water was detected using Merckoquant test strips mg/l NO3 (code 112). It took between 2 and 25 min for the fertiliser solution to travel from the injection point to the furthest dripper in the each block. In the absence of the fertigation calendar and due to some difficulties in communication, it was not possible to collect samples at other times. The low number of events monitored is the main reason for inconsistent (and disappointing) results. There is a lack of clear pattern of nitrates migration in the soil profile hours or days after the fertiliser application in the two events (Fig 4 to Fig 7). Picture 7: Fertiliser injection equipment used in Focus orchard 1 Picture 8: Extraction of soil solution Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 12 of 22

13 Table 5: Details fertigation event no 1 in focus orchard one (December 212) Date: 17/12/12 Event 1 Block 24 Block 23 # Area (ha) # Tree nb 2,7 2,7 Product used Calcium nitrate (N:15.5% with nitrates:14% and ammonium 1.5%; Calcium 19%) Amount used 25 kg or 1.3 gr NO3/tree 25 kg or 1.3 gr NO3/tree Volume solution (L) 6 6 Irrigation start time 9.45 am 9.45 am Irrigation end time 11 am 12 pm Fertigation start time 1:15 am 11 am Fertigation end time 1:3 am 11:2 am Irrigation meter start 18,545.1 n/a Irrigation meter end* 19,295 n/a Refer to Fig 4 Fig 5 *actual output 3.75l/tree/hr. Figure 4: Block 24 December 212- No3 concentration in the soil solution extracts taken at three depths at various time intervals post fertigation NO3 ppm Time 12:15 PM 4:35 PM 6:45 AM 11:5 AM 5:15 PM 7:3 AM 12: PM 17/12/212 17/12/212 18/12/212 18/12/212 18/12/212 19/12/212 2/12/ cm 4 cm 6 cm Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 13 of 22

14 Figure 5: Block 23 December 212- NO3 concentration in the soil solution extracts taken at three depths at various time intervals post fertigation NO3 ppm Time 12:15 PM 4:45 PM 6:55 AM 12:15 PM 5:2 PM 7:4 AM 12: PM 17-Dec 17-Dec 18-Dec 18-Dec 18-Dec 19-Dec 2-Dec 25 cm 4 cm 55 cm Table 6: Details fertigation event no 2 in focus orchard one February 213 Date: 13/2/213 Event 2 Block 24 Block 23 # Area (ha) # Tree nb 2,7 2,7 Product used Calcium nitrate (N:15.5% with nitrates:14% and ammonium 1.5%; Calcium 19%) Amount used 12.5 kg or.6 gr NO3/tree 12.5 kg or.6 gr NO3/tree Volume solution (L) Irrigation start time 9:5 am 9:42 am Irrigation end time 9:4 am 1:35 am Fertigation start time 9:5 am 9:56 am Fertigation end time 9:15 am 1:4 am Irrigation meter start 54,956.2 n/a Irrigation meter end* 55,229.3 n/a Refer to Fig 6 Fig 7 *actual output 2.8l/tree/hr. A four hours irrigation event reportedly took place the day prior to fertigation event 2. Nitrates were detected in soil solution extracts collected the day prior to event 2. Nitrates were also detected in the extract collected from the FullStop on the morning of the event. The extraction of soil solution was difficult in the days following the event. The results are inconclusive as to the movement of the nitrates in the rootzone (Fig 6 & 7) Their presence below the bottom of the rootzone could be a consequence of the four hours irrigation event prior to the fertiliser injection. Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 14 of 22

15 Figure 6: Block 24 February 213- NO3 concentration in soil solution extract taken at three depths at various time intervals post fertigation and collected from the fullstop NO3 ppm Time :15 AM 12:1 PM Prior to fertiliser injection 9:5 AM 11:1 AM 17: 12/2/213 12/2/213 13/2/213 13/2/213 13/2/213 13/2/ cm 3 cm (FS) 4 cm 5 cm (FS) 6 cm Figure 7: Block 23- February 213- NO3 concentration in soil solution extracts taken at three depths at various time intervals post fertigation and collected from the Fullstops NO3 ppm Time :25AM 12:1 7.3 am Prior to fertiliser injection 1:25 AM 17:45 2: PM 12/2/213 12/2/213 13/2/213 13/2/213 13/2/213 14/2/ cm 3 cm (FS) 4 cm 5 cm (FS) 55 cm Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 15 of 22

16 Leaf analysis results Leaf samples were collected from blocks 23 and 24 in January 213. Focus orchard two Tree measurements Table 7: Block 6 tree measurements season 212/13 Jazz/M26 September 212 January 213 September 213 Tree height 2.5 m 3.3 m TBA Tree Row Volume (TRV) 75 m 3/ ha TBA Average tree girth 8 mm TBA Trunk Circumference Area (TCA) 5.1 cm 2 /tree TBA % full canopy 2% TBA Average nb of branches/tree 2 TBA Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 16 of 22

17 Table 8: Block 7 tree measurements season 212/13 Jazz/M9 September 212 January 213 September 213 Tree height 2.5 m 3.1 m TBA Tree Row Volume (TRV) 1 m 3/ ha TBA Average tree girth 83 mm TBA Trunk Circumference Area (TCA) 5.5 cm 2 /tree TBA % full canopy 3% TBA Average nb of branches/tree 3 TBA Picture 1: Block 6 September 212 Picture 9: Block 7 September 212 Picture 12: Block 6 in November 212 Picture 11: Block 7 in November 212 Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 17 of 22

18 Pictures from January 213 visit are missing. None were taken in March 213. Water use The amount of irrigation water applied during the season was calculated from the meter readings taken regularly. The total amount applied was equivalent to: 6.2 ML/ha or 3,7 L/tree/season. Based on the local evaporation data this amount is above the theoretical estimated water use of a mature fruit bearing orchard (Fig 8). The duration of each irrigation event was not recorded/made available. Figure 8: Focus orchard two-212/13 Cumulated water use in l/tree- Actual vs theory Cumulated L/tree Monthly rainfall mm 5 2 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Monthly rainfall mm Cumulated Therotical tree water use (basic) L/tree/month-5% Cumulated Actual irrigation l/tree/month Cumulated Therotical tree water use (basic) L/tree/month-1% Soil moisture monitoring Tensiometers were installed between 2 micro sprinklers, in the tree root zone at depths of 15, 3 and 45 cm, taking into account the shallow toot system of dwarfing rootstocks.. Tensiometers readings were taken regularly by the owners. A soil auger was used initially to verify tensiometers readings in January. Two FullStop wet front detectors (( ) were installed at depths of 2 and 4 cm. When triggered by the passing wetting front, the FullStop were reset. Excellent records were kept of the response of the FullStops to the wet front following each irrigation event (Fig 9 & Fig 1) Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 18 of 22

19 kpa Figure 9: Block 6-212/13 Tensiometers readings and FullStop =down; 1=up 14/11/212 14/12/212 14/1/213 14/2/213 Yellow (2 cm) Red (4 cm) 15 cm 3 cm 45cm kpa Figure 1: Block 7-212/13 Tensiometers readings and FullStop = down; 1= up 14/11/212 14/12/212 14/1/213 14/2/213 Yellow (2 cm) Red (4 cm) 15 cm 3 cm 45cm Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 19 of 22

20 Monitoring of nitrate fertilisers No nitrates fertilisers were used during the season 212/13. Therefore no monitoring of the movement of nitrates fertilisers in the tree rootzone was conducted. Conclusion on the data collected in year 1: The summary will come out of the discussion of results and the presentation to growers, not just the FLA s team. However, we are making the following comments at this stage: What did we learn? The wide range of irrigation amounts applied to trees of similar size (6.2 vs.9 ML/ha). Which is the right figure? Assessing the movement of nitrate fertilisers in the tree rootzone requires more sites and/or a greater numbers of events monitored to get a better picture of what is really going on. Maybe we were over enthusiastic as to our capabilities? What are the road blocks/obstacles to change? What are the barriers to the adoption of best practices? The lack of record keeping; this does not provide very much scope for analysis and/or objective comparison of practices. The lack of knowledge of irrigation scheduling principles by irrigators. What are the implications of these demonstrations? More work on operators education is required (ie maintenance of tensiometers) Better/easier systems of recording needs to be developed (and used) by operators. How will these demonstration impact on the growers and/or their business? Maybe make them realise the value of record keeping. What were the changes we expected from this? Better timing of fertiliser injection through irrigation lines to: 1. Limit fertiliser waste 2. Ensure optimum growth of young trees for early cropping Is there a financial impact? Potential saving on the amount of fertilisers applied Early cropping of young trees for earlier returns. What new questions have been raised? Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 2 of 22

21 Suggestions for next season: What we would like to change next season to improve on our results: Better communications between Focus Orchardists and FLAs. Better understanding from Focus Orchardists of what this program requires from them. Improved record keeping from Focus Orchardists. Be provided with orchardists fertiliser program and application calendar if this work is to continue. FLAs should be on the ground in the region of the Focus orchards a lot more. Travel distances have impacted on the FLA s flexibility and ability to work closely with the Focus Orchardists. Increased technical input from the Focus Orchards program to assist with trial management. References: Falivene, S., 28 : Soil solution monitoring in Australia, CRC for Irrigation Futures. Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 21 of 22

22 List of figures: Figure 1: Focus orchard one-block /13 cumulated tree water use in l/tree- actual vs theory 1 Figure 2: Block 24 tensiometers readings (kpa) for 212/13 season Figure 3: Block 23 tensiometers readings (kpa) for 212/13 season Figure 4: Block 24 December 212- No3 concentration in the soil solution extracts taken at three depths at various time intervals post fertigation Figure 5: Block 23 December 212- NO3 concentration in the soil solution extracts taken at three depths at various time intervals post fertigation Figure 6: Block 24 February 213- NO3 concentration in soil solution extract taken at three depths at various time intervals post fertigation and collected from the fullstop Figure 7: Block 23- February 213- NO3 concentration in soil solution extracts taken at three depths at various time intervals post fertigation and collected from the Fullstops Figure 8: Focus orchard two-212/13 Cumulated water use in l/tree- Actual vs theory Figure 9: Block 6-212/13 Tensiometers readings and FullStop Figure 1: Block 7-212/13 Tensiometers readings and FullStop List of pictures: Picture 1: Installation of FullStop wet front detector... 4 Picture 2: Full Stop operation (Courtesy of FullStop)... 5 Picture 3: Merckoquant test strips used to assess nitrates level... 5 Picture 4: block 24 in September Picture 5: Block 24 in December Picture 6: Block 24 in March Picture 7: Fertiliser injection equipment used in Focus orchard Picture 8: Extraction of soil solution Picture 9: Block 7 September Picture 1: Block 6 September Picture 11: Block 7 in November Picture 12: Block 6 in November List of tables: Table 1: Details of blocks 23 & 24 in focus orchard one... 6 Table 2: Details of blocks 6 & 7 in focus orchard two... 7 Table 3: Block 24 tree measurements 212/ Table 4: Block 23 tree measurements 212/ Table 5: Details fertigation event no 1 in focus orchard one (December 212) Table 6: Details fertigation event no 2 in focus orchard one February Table 7: Block 6 tree measurements season 212/ Table 8: Block 7 tree measurements season 212/ Future Orchards Demonstration milestone report June 213 Page 22 of 22