Enhancing irrigation efficiency for pecans in humid climates

Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] tree stem a er potentia shoot length, nut yield, and nut quality for the following treatments were evaluated in a commercial pecan orchard in Berrien County, Georgia; 1) current recommended irrigation schedule; 2) a reduced early-season irrigation schedule; and 3) non irrigated control. Water Stress on pecan occurred at about-0.78 MPa using the pressure chamber to measure stem water potential. Regression analysis suggests that irrigation scheduling for mature pecan trees may be needed when volumetric water content reaches 10% on Tifton loamy sand soil. The reduced early-season irrigation schedule provided a 38% reduction in irrigation water use with no significant effect on pecan tree water stress, yield, or quality, suggesting that pecan trees can tolerate moderate early-season water stress with no effect on pecan yield or quality under southeastern US environmental conditions.