“Runoff Farming” in the Desert: II. Moisture Use by Young Apricot and Peach Trees¹

Abstract

Abstract Soil moisture and trunk growth of young apricot and peach trees were measured under flood water spreading conditions in the desert. Rates of moisture depletion and trunk growth were different for each species and did not appear to be related to available soil moisture. Young apricot trees produced nearly three times the trunk cross sectional area as peach trees per unit of water depletion. Root distribution of the trees was estimated by interpreting the changes in soil moisture.