Many cherry growing regions are experiencing, or may have to endure, dry or drying conditions this season.
The three-month outlook by the Bureau of Meteorology is for a drier than average October and November.
Some December rains are forecast for western Australia and Tasmania.
The outlook would suggest that cherry cracking (following rain) may not be a big issue this season, however, a lack of rain also means that there may be insufficient soil moisture to grow the cherry crop to the desired size—except for orchards with access to enough irrigation water to maintain soil moisture during the dry growing conditions.
Water demand and price
We have seen recently within the Murray Darling Basin, arguments over water allocations and the price for temporary water reaching $1000 to $1200 per megalitre.
Given that a cherry crop uses five megalitres per hectare for mature trees during the growing season less any rainfall (Goodwin, Tatura), you might like to multiply the number of hectares of mature trees by five (less rainfall) and compare that number with the water available in your dams or your water allocation, and then work out a plan to make the water last, or last as long as possible.
Mulch to conserve water
Mulching cherry trees conserves water for use by the tree (Baxter, Knoxfield).
Mulching can also assist in making extra shoot growth and it can help nutrient flow.
In a year where feed for animals is also at a premium, it could be costly or even difficult to gain a supply of mulch that would normally be utilized. Other options should be explored by searching in your local area.
Mowing the mid-row and distributing the cuttings along the tree line can be of benefit; as can controlling weeds along the tree line to minimise competition for moisture and nutrients.
Every growing season is different and this one is not likely to change that.
See this article in Tree Fruit Oct 2019
