Novel System for High Quality and Stable Fruit Production of Satsuma Mandarin using a Drip Irrigation and Liquid Fertilization System with Year-round Plastic Mulching

Abstract

Novel growing system using drip irrigation and liquid fertilization system combined with year-round plastic mulching was developed, expecting high quality and stable fruit production of satsuma mandarin. Extensive studies regarding the effects of introducing the system: e.g. fruit quality, nutritional efficiency to the trees, labor saving management of grower, showed that the production system was profitable for high quality and stable fruit production of satsuma mandarin. Characteristics of different drip irrigation tubes, relationship between tube setting and water efflux, and the index of watering and fertilizer management were investigated.