SCIENTIFICALLY BASED REGIME OF IRRIGATION OF PLUM SEEDLINGS DURING DRIP IRRIGATION IN SOD-PODZOLIC SOILS
Due to the widespread introduction of resource-saving technologies in nursery practice, issues related to the rational use of water resources are of particular relevance. Drip irrigation is considered one of the most promising irrigation methods, which creates favorable conditions for plant growth. The purpose of the study is to develop a scientifically grounded irrigation regime for drip irrigation of plum seedlings in sod-podzolic soils to obtain high-quality planting material. The two-factor field experience was laid down in the spring of 2018. The first factor is the drip irrigation regime (maintaining the moisture content of the root layer of the soil in the ranges of 60 ... 80, 70 ... 90 and 80 ... 100% of the lowest moisture capacity), the second factor is the variety (Mashenka and Morning) for cherry plum stock. Drip irrigation ensured the formation of uniform moistening of the root layer of the soil, saving irrigation water in comparison with sprinkling up to 2-3 times. According to the results of studies in irrigated variants of the experiment, the main part in the total water consumption of seedlings is the irrigation rate (from 55 to 67%) and atmospheric precipitation (from 14 to 29%). In terms of biometric indicators (stem diameter, height of seedlings, leaf area), three-year-old seedlings grown with drip irrigation are 1.2-1.5 times higher than seedlings in the control variant without irrigation. For the rational use of irrigation water and the cultivation of high-quality plum planting material in the nursery, it is recommended to use the irrigation regime with the maintenance of soil moisture in the range of 80...100% of the lowest moisture capacity.