H2Flo in Apple in the UK
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Key Conclusions
Using H2Flo reduces required irrigation water by 25%, while also increasing average yield by 4%, and increasing fruit size. This can save apple growers an average of €1,100/ha/year.
Objective
To investigate the benefits of applying H2Flo on required irrigation volume and apple crop yield.
Trial Details
Crop
Apple
Product
H2Flo
Assessments
Total yield, water distribution
Treatments
Grower practice treatment: 100% irrigation regime + rainfall
The water was supplied via irrigation system without any water conservation agents.
H2Flo treatment: 75% irrigation regime + rainfall
H2Flo was applied 3 times during the crop cycle in both years:
1st application: 1.2 L/ha in May
2nd application: 0.6 L/ha in June
3rd application: 0.6 L/ha in August
Total: 2.4 L/ha/year
Treatments
Grower practice treatment: 100% irrigation regime + rainfall
The water was supplied via irrigation system without any water conservation agents.
H2Flo treatment: 75% irrigation regime + rainfall
H2Flo was applied 3 times during the crop cycle in both years:
1st application: 1.2 L/ha in May
2nd application: 0.6 L/ha in June
3rd application: 0.6 L/ha in August
Total: 2.4 L/ha/year
Results
- By using H2Flo, water regime was reduced by 25% without any detrimental effect of yield, which actually increased by an average of 4%.
- Despite 25% water reduction when using H2Flo, fruit size tends to increase, especially in classes greater than 75 mm.
- H2Flo could save apple growers an average of €1100/ha/year.