The Response of Fruit Trees to Injection of Nitrogen through a Trickle Irrigation System1

Abstract

Abstract Nitrogen was applied as a ground application at the recommended rate based on leaf analysis, or at 25, 50 or 100% of that rate injected through a trickle irrigation system in combination with 3 rates of water. Leaf N was not influenced by treatment. Fruit yield resulting from the ground application or the 100% and 50% injection treatments were equal, whereas the 25% injection rate gave variable results. Injection treatments had no marked effect on fruit size or fruit quality. N distribution within the tree was uniform where the trickle irrigation rate was 7.6 liters per hour. N levels in the leaves were lower at 15.2 liters per hour.