This paper reports on microtensiometers (MTs) installed in a yellow-fleshed kiwifruit orchard to continuously monitor trunk water potential (TWP). Blocks of vines were differentially irrigated and soil moisture and air vapor pressure deficit (VPD) analyzed seeking correlative pattern with TWP. The TWP of vines varied from -1 to -10 bar across the experiment while soil water content declined from 40 to 18% v v‑1. TWP fluctuated in response to changes in VPD and soil moisture. Minimum TWP and maximum VPD exhibited a time lag of approximately four hours and displayed distinct hysteretic behavior. Although MTs easily offer continuous TWP measurements, their response to environment requires further investigation. Employment of these preliminary results in a precision irrigation context is discussed.
Real-time monitoring of trunk water potential: insights for kiwifruit water relations and irrigation management
Alba Nicoletta Mininni;Maria Calabritto;Roberto Di Biase;Rocco Sarli;Giuseppe Montanaro;Bartolomeo Dichio
2026-01-01
Abstract
This paper reports on microtensiometers (MTs) installed in a yellow-fleshed kiwifruit orchard to continuously monitor trunk water potential (TWP). Blocks of vines were differentially irrigated and soil moisture and air vapor pressure deficit (VPD) analyzed seeking correlative pattern with TWP. The TWP of vines varied from -1 to -10 bar across the experiment while soil water content declined from 40 to 18% v v‑1. TWP fluctuated in response to changes in VPD and soil moisture. Minimum TWP and maximum VPD exhibited a time lag of approximately four hours and displayed distinct hysteretic behavior. Although MTs easily offer continuous TWP measurements, their response to environment requires further investigation. Employment of these preliminary results in a precision irrigation context is discussed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
