The effect of saline irrigation on selected soil properties, plant physiology and vegetative reproductive growth of Palsteyn appricots (Prunus armeniaca L.)

[摘要] Approximately 45% of apricot tree plantings in South Africa are centered on Montagu, Koo andBarrydale in the Little Karoo. Below average production in this area could be ascribed to thedeteriorating water quality of the Breede River and highly saline groundwater from boreholeswhich provide this area with irrigation water. Profit margins for farmers are such that decreasedyields cannot be tolerated. Correct management of low quality water could improve productionand net farm income and could decrease irrigation return flow into the river system. Theobjective of this work was to establish whether international water quality guidelines for apricotare applicable under a different set of climatic conditions for a locally important cultivar and torevise guidelines if necessary for the management of irrigation with saline water. A drainagelysimeter was used to evaluate the effect of saline irrigation on apricot (Prunus armeniacacultivar Palsteyn) trees over a period of four years at Stellenbosch (S33° 55'; E18° 53') in theWestern Cape.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University