Development of preventive measures for a more sustainable use of the finite resource water in fruit growing (water management)
In order to be able to maintain regional value chains in the production of horticultural and agricultural food in the long term, sustainable strategies must be found for the use of the finite resource water. These must meet ecological, economic and social requirements at the same time. Before investing in irrigation systems, all possibilities for a more efficient use of natural precipitation should be exhausted.
The research project is concerned with preventive possibilities for more efficient water use in fruit growing. In the Lake Constance region, one of the most important fruit-growing regions in Europe, the precipitation amounts at individual locations differ significantly from one another. Whereas, for example, at the Schlachters Experimental Station for Fruit Growing, 1,400 mm of precipitation falls annually, in Ravensburg at the Centre of Competence for Fruit Growing Lake Constance, it is only about 800 mm. At fruit-growing area of the project partner 'The Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture (in German: Bayerische Landesanstalt für Weinbau und Gartenbau)' in Lower Franconia even receives only 450 to 600 mm of precipitation per year.
Objectives
To ensure efficient water use by fruit growers, various approaches and strategies are being investigated on how to respond most appropriately to prolonged dry periods. Fruit producers are to be provided with sustainable and at the same time practical solutions.
The expected change compared to the current situation is mainly that
- the producer has options available to keep negative impacts of water shortages or prolonged dry periods as low as possible, even without additional irrigation;
- preventive water management can reduce the amount of water needed for supplementary irrigationn;
- production processes can be optimised in a more holistic approach (e.g. positive effects of a weed control process on the water balance in the soil)
- a more sustainable use of water as a resource can be achieved in fruit growing (less competition e.g. with water demand in private households, image gain etc.)
Overall, the strategies to be developed can be regarded as an important contribution to sustainable and future-proof production with respect to the agricultural and horticultural challenges posed by climate change.
Approach
In order to monitor the above-mentioned objectives, a new apple planting with the variety 'Pinova' was carried out at the Schlachters Experimental Station for Fruit Growing. During planting, various soil additives were incorporated into the soil. These include rock flour, compost, Terra Preta and humic acid Leonardite. It is being tested whether the soil additives used have a water-retaining effect and whether the newly planted apple trees can thus better survive dry phases. For this purpose, sensors were also buried in the soil to record the effects on the soil climate.
You can see how the planting is done in this video.
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In a further work package, mulch materials (grass silage, wood chippings, spray mulch) will be spread on the tree strips of the apple rows to check the natural humus build-up as a measure to improve the soil climate. The mulch materials are also intended to reduce transpiration from the soil.
Associated partners (for project partners see right info column)
- Producers' Association Lindauer Obstbauern e.V.
- Beratungsdienst Ökologischer Obstbau e.V.
- Landwirtschaftskammer Vorarlberg
Publications
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Journal articles
Partners
Adressierte SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
