Water use by strawberry in south-east England

Abstract

SummaryPatterns of net soil water extraction under strawberry were studied using a neutron probe in two experiments. In these experiments, which used contrasting cultivars and contrasting years, the net rate of soil water depletion was several-fold greater under the plants than under the alley. Furthermore, water was extracted from deeper in the soil profile (at least down to 70 cm) than was expected on the basis of previously published information for strawberry. Associated estimates of root density for one cultivar (Domanil) demonstrated a four-fold greater root density under the plants than under the alley, with some roots penetrating as deep as 1 m. Total soil moisture deficits under strawberry were similar to or less than the corresponding values for short grass. Estimated soil moisture deficits using the water balance method MORECS that uses meteorological data, tended to be greater than actual water deficits. Seasonal measurements of mid-day leaf water potential and leaf conductance in both experim...