Fertirrigation of apricot trees to improve quality and minimize environmental impact

The nutrient requirement of two mature apricot orchards (cv ‘Portici’ and ‘Cafona’) was determined over a two year period. The fertirrigation plan was performed according to the evolution of mineral demand during the annual growth, and soil fertility. From bud break up to harvest 48 and 60 Kg ha-1of N, which represent the 75% of the total, were distributed respectively for ‘Cafona’ and ‘Portici’. In the post-harvest period 17 and 18 Kg ha-1 were distributed, equalling 25%. The yield in the two years of the trial was of 19.2 and 12.1 t ha-1 for cv ‘Cafona’ and 27.3 and 20.3 t ha-1 for cv ‘Portici’. In comparison with the amount of fertilizers applied by growers (empirical method) for the same cultivars a reduction of about 50–60% of N and P was obtained. Considering the high content of potassium in the soil for both sites, no potassium was added, saving 100–120 Kg ha-1 and avoiding dangerous accumulations of the element itself in the soil. The correct management of fertirrigation allowed an highest efficiency in the use of fertilizers.