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Avocado
> Year-Round IPM Program > Bloom
Period
> Manage Irrigation
Avocado
 Monitor
and Manage Irrigation
The appropriate amount, frequency, and method of irrigation
and applying high quality water are critical for improving
tree health and fruit yield. Proper irrigation prevents and
manages many diseases and disorders and reduces problems with
weeds and certain invertebrates.
Inspect and test irrigation systems periodically, at least annually
by late winter.
- Test irrigation water quality at least annually,
typically during spring. Tests include analyses of
alkalinity, overall salinity, and any specific ions that may
be of concern, and nitrogen in irrigation water that should
be credited toward the fertilization rate.
- Evaluate and monitor irrigation need using accurate
methods,
such as evapotranspiration, tensiometers, or a combination
of recommended
methods.
- Adjust irrigation schedule (application frequency and rates)
to meet trees’ varying need. Use irrigation scheduling
tools such as those online at www.ucavo.ucr.edu and
www.avocadosource.com.
- Make sure different size trees have separate irrigation
systems. For example, do not water young trees the same as
mature trees.
- Apply sufficient, good-quality water. Excess
salinity is
a common problem that damages trees and reduces yield.
- Avoid runoff,
wetting of trunks, and waterlogging of root zones.
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