Tensiometer-based irrigation for nursery and greenhouse plant production
Research on tensiometer-based irrigation of potted plants
Tensiometer
Tensiometer-based Irrigation System Design
Typical setup in commercial greenhouses
Results
Potted Plant Irrigation Experiment Summary Irrigation solution (ml/pot) applied per day
What we have learned
What we have learned: ...if you do have automation (e.g. solenoid valves, timers, etc)
The Moisture Release Curve
Note wetting/drying trajectory
Note how plants “feel” about various levels of moisture
How humans perceive various levels of moisture.
How humans perceive various levels of moisture. Note: it’s already sub-optimal although substrate still feels moist !
Horticultural implication:
Cut-flower Rose Irrigation Research Objectives
Modification of tensiometers for use in irrigation control with in-ground roses:
PPT Slide
Experimental setup
Tensiometer-based irrigation system: in-ground roses
Tensiometer-based irrigation
Summary of water use during the trial:
Production and water use
Follow-up experiment
Tensiometer-based irrigation in Roses Summary
Email: jhlieth@ucdavis.edu
Home Page: http://Lieth.ucdavis.edu