Sustainable irrigation in fruit trees

Abstract

Water management in fruit growing, particularly in areas with high water deficit, low rainfall and limited availability of water for irrigation should aid to save water by: i) the choice of high efficiency irrigation methods and their correct management; ii) the proper choice of the specie, cultivar and rootstock to optimise plant water use; iii) the proper choice of the architecture of the canopy and it’s correct management in order to improve water use efficiency; iv) the application of regulated deficit irrigation at growth stages less sensitive to water deficit; v) strengthening the role of technical assistance for a rapid transfer of knowledge to the growers on the sustainable use of water in fruit growing.