Soil Moisture and Dendrometer Sampling of Kent Trees Irrigated with Micro-Sprinklers

Abstract

Mexico is the leading mango exporter worldwide and requires to optimize yield; quality and water use. Water shortage due to climatic changes can affect yield production and quality by increasing fruit drop and size. In the period 2018-2020 decrease in raining events reduced mango yields. Sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) techniques have been applied worldwide and four holes were dig to wet each tree by means of a micro-sprinkler irrigation system. Soil moisture content around the trees were acquired and compared against those irrigated all around the tree trunk. Also dendrometer measurements at the branches help to understand water dynamics within the tree; and high yields were obtained when branches had good water uptake. It was found that roots are closer to the surface and that dry soil areas beneath branches did not provided enough water to produce mangoes over 350 grams.