Microsprinkler Location in Citrus

Typical placement of microsprinklers in citrus orchards is between trees in the tree row. In this experiment sprinklers were placed under the tree canopies as well as in the typical between tree location. Placement under the canopies provides for application of irrigation water where a greater percentage of the root system is typically located, offers the potential for reduced evaporative loss of applied water, and reduces the amount of applied water outside the tree canopy as a source of moisture for weed seed germination and growth. Yield and fruit quality measurements were made with the 2012 and 2013 crops. Measurements of tree water status were made in Summer  2011 and 2012.