The outlook for this winter and spring is that it will be 60–70% drier than average.
Plan and be ready in case the forecast is accurate.
There have been near record prices per megalitre for temporary water as the irrigation season comes to a close within the Murray Darling Basin system.
For those outside that system, and in other states and regions, the ability to build dams is becoming more difficult.
While that might be frustrating, there is no guarantee that rain will replenish existing dams to the point of having sufficient water to grow the next cherry crop.
So there is a need to identify orchard management practices that can make a difference to either the water use of the tree once the leaves appear, or the soil's moisture holding capacity—that is, identify what action can be taken to increase the water retention in the root zone once leaf growth begins.
Take action to minimise plant water use
Remove surplus branches
Removing limbs that may be excess to requirements, or are sited too close to other major limbs, can assist in reducing water use and help the rest of the tree.
Hedging or pruning the tops of the trees to a lower level can have a similar effect. The earliest instance of this taking place was in the Young district during the extreme drought of 1982.
Mulch
Mulching tree strips can improve soil moisture retention and increase organic matter levels.
Assess and prioritise
Without sufficient water in the root zone there is a risk that nutrient uptake can be seriously impeded and this will affect fruit quality.
So, assess your situation in terms of water requirements for all blocks—young and old.
Prioritise where the profit comes from in your orchard, and if there is a block that is losing you money, then maybe sacrifice it for the betterment of the rest of your orchard.
All growing regions will be affected differently, but by identifying any risks to your crop from a lack of water, and planning for it, you will be better prepared by the time blossom comes out for next season’s fruit.
See this article in Tree Fruit May 2019
