Effects of Cyclic Micro-irrigation and Substrate in Pot-in-pot Production

Abstract

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate production techniques for increasing irrigation application efficiency [(water volume applied − water volume leached) / water volume applied] for large container trees. Three irrigation treatments (single, three cycle and six cycle) and three substrate treatments [pinebark, pinebark:coir (4:1 by vol), and pinebark:peat (4:1 by vol)] were evaluated for effects on irrigation application efficiency and growth of Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’ in a pot-in-pot production system in Auburn, AL. Substrate pH, electrical conductivity and leachate total inorganic nitrogen (N) content were measured. Cyclic irrigation reduced total N lost by a minimum of 89% when compared to a single irrigation application. Irrigation application efficiency increased with cyclic irrigation compared to a single irrigation application and for the pinebark: coir substrate compared to the pinebark. Growth was greater when irrigation was applied in six cycles than in a single irrigation application. Trees grown in pinebark: peat substrate had greater shoot dry weight than those grown in the pinebark substrate.