Irrigation of apple trees in Nelson

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Abstract
Irrigation of ''Golden Delicious'' apple trees on the Moutere Hills, Nelson [New Zealand], resulted in a 5-yr cumulative yield increase of 16% and 9% for treatments applied at 80% or 20% available soil moisture, respectively. Significant yield increases were obtained in only 2 of the 5 yr, and fruit size was increased in 3 of the 5 yr. Trees tended towards a biennial bearing production pattern which was accentuated by irrigation. Trunk and shoot growth were also increased by irrigation. On these soil types, the critical soil moisture deficit for mature ''Golden Delicious'' apple trees is probably reached when the soil dries to approximately 30% available moisture.