INTERACTIONS BETWEEN MINERAL NUTRITION AND TREE AND SOIL WATER STATUS

In the modern horticulture the orchard must be considered from a holistic point of view in order to channel the largest part of dry matter in the fruits with the minimal use of resources. For achieving this goal the manipulation of the production and partitioning of dry matter in tree appears of primary importance.

The interaction between water status of tree and soil is considered as a key point for the efficiency of the orchard.

Adequate hydration of both plant and soil is necessary for nutrient uptake and transport and therefore for growth.

Soil moisture content determines the availability of nutrients and the root growth, whereas plant water status affects the energy harvesting and storage potential of the plant and thus its growth rate, which strongly influences the acquisition of inorganic nutrients.

Since nutrient and water status are so strictly related it seems reasonable to regulate tree functioning and performance through the manipulation of availability of both nutrients and water.