Increasing the leaching fraction when using a more saline irrigation water can result in the same average rootzone salinity as using a less saline irrigation water with a lower leaching fraction. In short, if a more saline water must be used because of drought, applying more water to increase leaching can lessen the effects of salinity on plant growth. Water Quality Guidelines Table 1 lists water quality guidelines for the most commonly grown tree and vine crops in California. The ECw values given in the table represent the maximums that can be continuously used to achieve the given yield. Toxicity to Specific Elements Unklike most annual crops, tree and vine crops are generally susceptible to boron and chloride toxicity.
Tolerances vary among species and rootstocks.
Tolerant varieties and rootstocks restrict the uptake and accumulation of boron and chloride in leaf tissue. Climatic effects are also important. Chloride moves readily with the soil water, is taken up by the plant roots, translocates to the shoot and accumulates in the leaves. Injury does not necessarily mean a reduction in yield or vice-versa. Chloride injury can also result from direct leaf absorption during overhead sprinkler irrigation.