Abstract
Fruit production and tree growth characteristics of a Valencia orange orchard are related to equilibrium distribution of salts throughout the root profile in response to uniform applications of irrigation waters varying in salinity and sodicity hazards. Eight years of differential irrigation treatments consisting of basin irrigation with four waters representing low to moderately high salinity, and also with Cl and SO4 waters, resulted in soil salinity profiles specific for each water. Both the quantity and quality of oranges have declined under irrigation treatments producing accumulation of soluble salts within the rootzone. Specific ion, osmotic, and soil suction effects are discussed in relation to salinity stress. Fruit production and tree growth characteristics of a Valencia orange orchard are related to equilibrium distribution of salts throughout the root profile in response to uniform applications of irrigation waters varying in salinity and sodicity hazards. Eight years of differential irrigation treatments consisting of basin irrigation with four waters representing low to moderately high salinity, and also with Cl and SO4 waters, resulted in soil salinity profiles specific for each water. Both the quantity and quality of oranges have declined under irrigation treatments producing accumulation of soluble salts within the rootzone. Specific ion, osmotic, and soil suction effects are discussed in relation to salinity stress. © Williams & Wilkins 1974. All Rights Reserved.