Irrigation and Fertilization Strategies in Orchards

Dear Colleagues,

Orchard irrigation and fertilization practices require special attention to optimize all system components in order to achieve efficient water and fertilizer management with minimal environmental impacts, preventing soil salinization, leaching, and contamination of both ground and surface water. In many parts of the world, irrigation water has been over-exploited and over-used and freshwater shortage is becoming critical, mainly in the arid and semiarid areas, which is exacerbated in the actual context of climate change. Thus, deficit irrigation strategies and the use of non-conventional water sources, such as wastewater, and more specifically reclaimed water (RW), are the most sustainable alternatives to cope with water shortages.

Fertilization management of orchards is highly complex, requiring precise knowledge of nutrient requirements in each phenological stage. Traditionally, in rainfed orchards, fertilizers are sprayed to ground; however, in irrigated ones, they can be applied by drip irrigation. Both systems are usually complemented with foliar application. However, nutrient inputs have been so far applied without considering spatial variability of field characteristics, resulting in an inefficient management due to under-application or over-application, with negative impacts on crop yields and the environment.

The purpose of this Special Issue, “Irrigation and Fertilization Strategies in Orchards”, is to present innovative studies, tools, strategies, and techniques recently developed by researchers worldwide, successful in addressing some of these concerns. Articles reviewing the state of the art are also welcome to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Anabela A. Fernandes-Silva
Prof. Dr. Teresa Afonso do Paço
Dr. Gonçalo C. Rodrigues
Guest Editors

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