Response of vegetative and fruit growth to the soil volume wetted by irrigation in a super-high-density olive orchard

In most fruit tree orchards under localised irrigation, only a fraction of the rhizosphere is wetted by irrigation. As this may reduce growth and production, such that there demand for information on optimum number location emitters. mature ‘Arbequina’ olive orchard with 1667 trees ha-1, we analysed impact applying same amount water one vs. two drip irrigation pipes (laterals) per row. We had full which supplies amounted to 80–100% crop needs (ETc), deficit treatments supplying ca. 40% ETc. used HYDRUS 2D/3D (v. 1.11) model simulate shape volume (irrigation bulbs), as well drainage soil evaporation. For both differences in surface were not sufficient affect The greatest values root length density unit found laterals, lowest fully irrigated lateral. This, however, was counterbalanced greater size bulbs contents trees, uptake enhanced second 2 consecutive years no irrigating or laterals row potential stomatal conductance, shoot growth, leaf area either conditions. Therefore, our findings suggest benefits super high instead one.