Effects of the number of drip laterals on yield and quality of apples grown in two soil types

The effects of water distribution patterns in drip irrigation on fruit production and quality were evaluated during two seasons commercial orchards Gala Brookfield apple trees, grafted M.9 dwarf rootstock. Research was conducted at El Manzano farm, with a clay-loam soil irrigated three times per week, Santa Mercedes stony loam daily. Both farms are located the Central Valley Chile. farm system modified to establish treatments which differed number laterals row (one, four), 4.0, 2.0, 1.0 L h?1 emitters spaced 50 cm both farms, respectively. All received same amount week each based technical criteria advisor. Applied compared against use estimated by AQUASAT platform. In soil, volume applied similar estimate. However, less than that AQUASAT. results showed significant differences among varied only wetted soil. best pooled over years obtained one lateral (T1) (yield 59.3 t ha?1), four (T3) yielded 50.8 ha?1. Higher yields associated tendency greater numbers tree farms. Fruit requirements for export (equatorial diameter > 60 mm, weight 90 g) achieved but not firmness second season due an deficit. Our emphasize need wet sufficient under irrigation, regardless amounts, light textured soils particular.