Precision management in tart cherry orchards: the impact of soil variability on canopy density and yield

27 Jun 2024
984

In a recent study focusing on the relationship between soil variability, canopy density, and yield in tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) orchards in Utah, researchers explored how variations in soil properties influence tree growth and productivity. A team from Utah State University conducted the study by examining four tart cherry orchards near Santaquin, Utah.

These orchards were selected for their different soil characteristics and canopy structures, which were mapped and analyzed to understand how soil texture affects orchard performance.

The researchers measured the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) of the soil as an indicator of soil texture, salinity, and organic matter content. The data collected through this method allowed the creation of detailed maps, which were crucial for identifying spatial variability within each orchard.

These maps revealed significant correlations between ECa and soil texture components such as sand, silt, and clay. Particularly, areas with higher ECa often corresponded to higher clay content.

Canopy density was another critical aspect monitored during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. Using ceptometry and drone imagery, the researchers assessed the light interception by the canopy, which correlates with the leaf area index (LAI) and overall canopy density. These measurements demonstrated that variations in canopy density could be directly linked to the soil texture variability identified through ECa mapping.

The study's findings showed that soil texture plays a crucial role in determining canopy characteristics. Areas with more clay-rich soils exhibited denser canopies, suggesting that these zones could potentially support higher yields. However, the relationship between canopy density and actual yield requires further investigation: the yield data from the 2023 season are still being analyzed before establishing definitive connections.

One of the most significant implications of this research is the potential for precision orchard management. By understanding the spatial variability of soil and its impact on canopy and yield, growers could implement site-specific management practices. These may include variable-rate applications of water, fertilizers, and other inputs adapted to the soil conditions of different orchard zones.

Such strategies could enhance uniformity across the orchard, optimize resource use, and ultimately increase productivity and profitability.

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the practical utility of ECa mapping in managing tart cherry orchards and beyond. The ability to create high-resolution soil texture maps provides a valuable tool for making “more informed” management decisions, which can lead to improved orchard performance through the right inputs.

The study conducted in Utah offers promising prospects for implementing precision agriculture techniques that can help optimize orchard management.

Source: Wedegaertner, K., Black, B., Safre, A., Lilligren, C., Cardon, G. and Torres-Rua, A. (2024). Assessing the relationship between soil variability, canopy density, and yield in Utah tart cherry orchards. Acta Hortic. 1395, 157-162, https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1395.21
Image: SL Fruit Service

Andrea Giovannini
University of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

New methods to calculate cherry trees evapotranspiration in South Africa

Specialties

17 Jun 2024

In situ measurements were conducted in a sweet cherry orchard at the IONIA Sweet Cherry Farm, Ficksburg, South Africa. The study estimated evapotranspiration by combining a simple surface energy balance model with remote sensing data.

Sweet cherry breeding: difficult but exciting challenges ahead

Breeding

25 Apr 2023

Sweet cherry breeders will face difficult but exciting challenges during the coming years and multilateral cooperation between them and with scientists from University and research centers appears as crucial.

In evidenza

Cherry fruit load management: effective strategies in Chile and Peru

Tech management

11 Sep 2025

Effective cherry fruit load regulation in Chile and Peru through strategic pruning, thinning, nutrition, and irrigation. Improve fruit size, sugar content, and harvest uniformity while ensuring sustainable yields and orchard performance in competitive export-driven markets.

How cherry tree age and variety affect soil quality in China’s Loess Plateau

Tech management

11 Sep 2025

A study on China’s Loess Plateau examines how orchard age and sweet cherry variety shape soil quality. Findings reveal declining organic matter and aggregate stability with time, highlighting the importance of sustainable management to preserve fertility and productivity.

Tag Popolari