Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Let’s Talk about Deficit Irrigation

Written by Sarah Davis, Intern at Washington State University’s Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center and the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources. September 16, 2022, and October 18, 2022.

The Pacific Northwest is not facing the same level of challenges around water availability that are front page news in California or the Colorado River, but we are not immune to water-related challenges either and can expect more of those as the climate continues to warm. Ongoing research into practices that can prepare fruit production for these types of challenges while having the potential to also provide other benefits may seem like the pursuit of an unrealistic ideal. But maybe not. Two blog articles published recently describe ongoing research into the effects of deficit irrigation on water use and on fruit quality in cider apples. This kind of research can help determine whether deficit irrigation is a practice worth considering for multiple reasons. Subscribe to AgClimate.net to receive alerts when new articles are posted.

Regulated deficit irrigation valves

Regulated deficit irrigation valves: pink is regulated deficit irrigation, blue is the control. Photo: Sarah Davis.

Contact

Sarah Davis
Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center and Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Washington State University
davissl@plu.edu

Fruit Matters articles may only be republished with prior author permission © Washington State University. Reprint articles with permission must include: Originally published by Washington State Tree Fruit Extension Fruit Matters at treefruit.wsu.edu and a link to the original article.

Washington State University