Medlar Tree Irrigation in France: How to Proceed?

Quick read / the essentials on irrigating medlar trees

Medlar tree irrigation is a crucial element to ensure optimal growth , good fruiting and high profitability of orchards. As a specialist wholesale supplier of medlar plants , Arboriverse supports producers in the implementation of suitable and efficient irrigation solutions .

The most efficient irrigation method is drip irrigation , which ensures precise water delivery directly to the roots, reducing evaporation and waste . This system uses self-regulating drippers , delivering 2 to 8 liters per hour , spaced 50 to 100 cm along the rows of trees.

An alternative is micro-sprinkler , which is more suitable for warm regions because it allows for wider soil moistening. However, it uses more water than drip irrigation.

The water requirements of medlar trees vary between 600 and 1000 mm per hectare per year , requiring regular watering during the growing season . Automation of the irrigation system via timers and humidity sensors makes it possible to optimize water management and adapt inputs according to soil and climate conditions.

By choosing to buy robust and high-performance medlar plants , growers guarantee a consistent and high-quality harvest . Arboriverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of medlar plants , offers varieties selected for their productivity and resistance, while also providing technical advice for optimal irrigation management.

Properly controlled irrigation helps avoid water deficits , which can lead to slow growth and premature fruit drop . Conversely, excess water can cause root asphyxiation and promote the development of fungal diseases .

Thanks to a specialist wholesale supplier of medlar plants , producers benefit from suitable irrigation solutions and technical support to guarantee optimal and sustainable production .

Medlar Irrigation: Methods, Management and Water Optimization

Irrigation plays a vital role in the success of a professional medlar orchard. Effective water management helps ensure healthy tree growth, optimize yields, and improve fruit quality. In France, growers have several irrigation techniques adapted to local conditions and the demands of this crop.

Most common irrigation methods for a one hectare plot

Drip irrigation is the most efficient method for medlar orchards. It allows for precise water delivery to the roots, thus limiting evaporation and optimizing resource use. Its water use efficiency reaches 90 to 95%.

The drippers used have a flow rate ranging from 2 to 8 liters per hour and are spaced 50 to 100 cm apart along the irrigation lines. The drip lines are installed every 3 to 5 meters, depending on the planting density. The recommended operating pressure is between 1 and 2 bars.

Micro-sprinkler irrigation is an effective alternative, especially in high-temperature regions where more extensive soil wetting can be beneficial. This system has a water use efficiency of 80 to 90%.

Micro-sprinklers have a flow rate of between 20 and 200 liters per hour and a coverage radius of 1.5 to 3 meters. Typically, one micro-sprinkler is installed for one to four trees. The recommended operating pressure is between 1.5 and 3 bar.

Best irrigation method and implementation

Drip irrigation is the most suitable technique for growing medlar trees, providing precise control of water supply while reducing losses through evaporation and runoff.

The water requirements of medlar trees are estimated at between 600 and 1000 mm per hectare per year. During the growing season, each tree requires approximately 25 to 30 liters of water per week.

Tree spacing is generally 6 meters between rows and between trees, or approximately 277 trees per hectare. The main line of the irrigation network is made of PVC pipes 50 to 63 mm in diameter. The secondary lines, placed between the rows of trees, are made of polyethylene 32 to 40 mm in diameter. The drip lines, made of polyethylene 16 to 20 mm in diameter, are equipped with integrated drippers.

The system includes several essential components, including a pump capable of delivering a flow rate of 5 to 6 m³ per hour for one hectare, a 120 to 150 mesh disc or sand filter to prevent drippers from clogging, a fertilizer injector for fertigation, and pressure gauges to monitor pressure. Solenoid valves allow for automated irrigation by sector.

The irrigation system is logically organized. The main line is placed along the orchard's main access road. The secondary lines are arranged perpendicularly, and the drip lines are installed along the rows of trees. Two drippers are placed on either side of each tree's trunk, approximately 50 cm apart. The drippers used have a flow rate of 2 to 4 liters per hour.

Irrigation should be scheduled to meet the trees' needs throughout the season. The recommended frequency is two to three irrigations per week during the active growth period. Each session lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on weather conditions and the trees' stage of development. The total volume of water applied to one hectare is approximately 3000 m³ per year.

Automated irrigation is a major asset for optimizing system efficiency. A programmer allows you to control the solenoid valves and regulate the inputs according to the trees' needs. Installing soil moisture probes at different depths (30 cm, 60 cm) helps adjust irrigation according to the soil's water retention.

Regular maintenance of your irrigation system is essential to ensure its long-term efficiency. Filters should be cleaned weekly, or more frequently if necessary. Drippers should be checked monthly for blockages. A complete flush of the lines is recommended twice a year to remove accumulated sediment.

Signs of water deficiency

A water deficit can have a direct impact on the growth and production of medlar trees. Several indicators can detect a water shortage.

A leaf water potential value below -1.5 MPa, measured before dawn, indicates severe water stress. A reduction of more than 50% in stomatal conductance compared to normal values ​​is also a sign of water deficit.

Another indicator of water deficiency is a slowdown in shoot growth of more than 30% compared to normal. A decrease in fruit diameter of more than 10% in 24 hours signals an urgent need for irrigation.

A temperature difference between leaves and ambient air greater than 4°C indicates stomatal closure due to water stress. A soil water content below 50% of field capacity in the main root zone (0-60 cm) requires watering.

A leaf wilting angle greater than 10° from the horizontal at midday is an indicator of moderate to severe water stress. An increase in fruit drop of more than 5% per week outside the normal natural thinning period may be related to a water deficit.

A change in foliage color from dark green to bluish-gray green over more than 20% of the leaf surface is another sign of water stress. A reduction of more than 40% of the normal growth of fine roots (diameter < 2 mm) indicates prolonged water deprivation.

Signs of excess water

Excess water can also harm the growth of medlar trees and promote the development of diseases.

Yellowing or chlorotic leaves are often the first sign of waterlogging. Slowed or even stopped growth can also indicate overwatering.

Another indicator of overwatering is the presence of fungal diseases that are favored by excessive moisture. Root rot, caused by asphyxiation from too much water, is a common problem in poorly drained soil.

Other things to consider

Installing a smart irrigation control system can improve water efficiency by automatically adjusting inputs based on the trees' needs.

Well-drained soil is essential to avoid problems related to excess water. In clay soils, it is recommended to incorporate sand to improve soil structure and to install buried drains at a depth of 80 to 100 cm.

Applying a layer of organic mulch around trees helps retain soil moisture and reduce irrigation needs.

Conclusion

Medlar irrigation must be carefully planned to ensure optimal production. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method, providing precise management of water input while limiting losses.

Careful monitoring of soil and tree water status helps prevent water stress and optimize orchard productivity. Efficient water management ensures sustainable orchards and the production of quality fruit.

To summarize: irrigation of medlar trees

Irrigating medlar trees is an essential practice to ensure healthy tree development , good fruiting and optimal yield . Drip irrigation is the most efficient method, ensuring precise water delivery while minimizing losses through evaporation and runoff.

The installation is based on self-regulating drippers , delivering 2 to 8 liters per hour , spaced 50 to 100 cm apart, with two drippers per tree for better water coverage.

Micro-sprinkling is an alternative for areas with high temperatures , although it consumes more water.

The water requirements of medlar trees vary between 600 and 1000 mm per hectare per year , requiring frequent watering during the growing season . Automation of irrigation via humidity sensors and programmers makes it possible to optimize water inputs and avoid waste.

Signs of water deficiency include leaf wilting , reduced fruit size , and slowed growth . Prolonged water deficiency can lead to premature fruit drop and a significant reduction in yield .

Conversely, excess water can cause root asphyxiation , leaf yellowing , and the proliferation of fungal diseases . Balanced water management and efficient drainage are therefore essential to avoid these problems.

Integrating a fertigation system into the irrigation network optimizes nutrient supply, promoting uniform growth and an abundant harvest .

Thanks to the expertise of a specialist medlar plant wholesaler , producers benefit from certified plants , technical support and optimized irrigation solutions . By choosing to buy medlar plants selected for their resistance and productivity , they guarantee a high-quality harvest .

Controlled irrigation , coupled with rigorous monitoring of water parameters , ensures the sustainability of the orchard and stable and profitable production . Relying on a specialist medlar plant wholesale supplier is the best approach to optimize water management and obtain productive medlar trees year after year .