Soil & nutrition
Irrigation basics for apples
Even moisture beats big swings.
Relevant stages: Pink Bud, Fruit Let, Fruit Development II, Fruit Development III, Fruit Development IV.
- Apples need steady moisture, especially from fruit set to harvest.
- Irrigate when needed at pink bud, fruit let and through fruit development.
- Aim for optimum soil moisture and avoid both drought stress and waterlogging.
- Do not allow water to stagnate. Fix drainage problems.
- Check soil by hand a few inches down before deciding.
- Mulch helps hold water in dry spells.
- Big swings between dry and wet can crack fruit and reduce quality.
General guidance. Always read product labels and consult an agronomist for problems specific to your orchard.
