It can change with variations in variety, rootstock, tree age, soil type and irrigation method across an orchard. Most of all it is unique to the grower. The determination of your trigger points will be influenced by what you wish to get from your trees. Results from the trials reinforce this notion as shown below - different trigger points have been found for different varieties on different soil types. Why There are three main reasons to use irrigation trigger points on your orchard - environmental responsibility, cost saving and planning.
Water resources are limited.
Often water restrictions apply in Hawke's Bay over dry seasons and it is essential for all users to conserve water. In order to do this orchardists can apply a certain amount of water stress to fruit trees. Results from last years work indicate that using this technique does not influence fruit quality. Irrigation also costs. If irrigation is applied only when necessary the trigger point technique provides a cost minimising service.