BASIC AGRONOMYC CONSEPTS

NETAFIMs Knowledge Sharing

Vision
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

We aim to bring our

wealth of knowledge and profound
expertise
to the
service of each local grower and
landscape gardener.

Goals
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

At the end of the session you will be

familiar with basic agronomic terms and
concepts,
In order you can use them for better sales
skills.

The Economic output of the

plant cultur

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

Open field horticulture

:Deals with plants in
Preface
Soil.

Soil
Roots

moisture & nutrients.

Enviroment (=cilmate conditions):
Photosynthesis
Air & soil Temperature.
Water
Radiation.
Soil
Humidity
Summary

What is the plant?

Preface
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

What is the main role of each

component ?
6

Basic Parts of the Plant.

Flower
The flower is the
Preface
reproductive (Fruit )organ
of the plant .Most
Roots
vegetables , and all fruit
Photosynthesis
trees develop their fruits
as the economical product
Water
of the plants .
Soil
Summary
Stem
Holds up the plant.
carries water, minerals
and food to different
parts of the plant.

Leaves
in charge of
Photosynthesis
In Some crops
the leaves are
the economic
product.

Roots
Absorb water and
minerals for the plant.
Anchor the plant.
Some plants store food
in their roots.Some
crops the root is the
economical product

Plant Growth Requirements

Preface
Preface
Roots

What are
Photosynthesis

the
plant growth
Water
requirements ?
Soil

Summary

Plant Growth
Enviroment
Preface
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water

Temperature
Light
CO2

Soil

Moisture

Summary

Essential Nutrients

 The rootsROOTS
are anchour to soil, and the supply
lines of the plant needs from the soil.
Preface
Roots
Roots

The soil contain all the plants basic needs for

normal growth and development
such as:

Photosynthesis

Moisture / water

Water

Nutrients

Soil

Air

Summary

10

The Leaf
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

11

Photosynthesis & Transpiration

Photosynthesis

Preface
Roots

photo=light

Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil

synthesis=
putting together
/Creation

Summary

What is
Photosynthesis?
12

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

13

Photosynthesis & Transpiration

Preface

Photosynthesis - the synthesis of glucose (Sugar)

from:

Roots
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

14

sunlight
carbon dioxide
water

Oxygen is an by product in the process of FS.

Oxygen is basic resource for roots activity.
The plant uses the sugars as food=
energy source, in order to grow the roots,
shoots and fruit.

Photosynthesis & Transpiration

1. Sun shines on
the plant.

Preface
Roots

Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

15

2. Chlorophyll in
leaves absorb
suns energy.

3. Leaves
take in
Carbon
Dioxide.
5. Leaves give
off oxygen
and water.

4. Roots take in minerals and water.

Water, Soil & Climatic Conditions

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

Water Balance
16

Minerals uptake
C
a

Preface
Roots

Nutrients comes up
with the transpiration
flow throw the xylem
system.

C
a
C
a

Photosynthesis
Water
Soil

C
a

C
a

Summary
C
a

17

C
a
C
a

C
a

Fruit build up
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

18

Do you remember ?
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

What is the main role of the plants roots ?

What are the plant growth requirements ?
What are the plants basic needs contain
in the soil ?
What is the role of photosynthesis in
the plant ?
What happens during transpiration
process?

19

End of plant topics

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

20

The soil (Medium)

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

21

Soil Structure
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Soil
Summary

Soil structure is the arrangement of soil

particles into aggregates. These may have
various:
shapes,
sizes
degrees of development or expression.

22

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

Clay
23

Silt/Loam

Sand

The Components Of Soil

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Soil
Summary

24

Water in soil
Preface
Roots

Water in the soil can be positioned on the

following scale:

Photosynthesis
Water
Water
Soil
Summary

25

Saturation

Field
Capacity

Available
Water

Wilting
Point

Water in Soil
Preface

Water in the soil can be positioned on the following

scale:

Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Water
Soil
Summary

soil is too wet,

water grasp the
place of air in
the soil.

Air and water are

balanced and
available to the
plant.

Saturation

26

Field
Capacity

water capacity in the soil

drops, evaporate water
through the leaves
continues, the plant
reaches to a no-return
wilting point and withers
Available
Water

Wilting
Point

How does the size of the

grains affect the soil
characteristics ?

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Soil
Summary

Diameter of particles (mm

27

> 0.002

0.05-0.002

0.05- 2.0

Soil Texture
Preface

The size of mineral particles affects the:

Roots

Physical, chemical and biological properties of soil

Photosynthesis

Soil aeration and drainage.

Water

Soil water holding capacity

Soil
Soil

root penetration

Summary

28

Sand / Light Soil

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Soil
Summary

Feels gritty when pressed between fingers.

Comprised of particles, or granules, ranging in
size from 0.05 mm - 2 mm diameter.
Light Soil characteristics:
Do not unite to form blocks
Achieve full drainage
Water is absorbed quickly

29

Silt / Medium Soil

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Soil
Summary

Feels smooth as flour.

Particles size 0.05 mm 0.002 mm
diameter.
The size of pores between particles
is smaller.
Medium Soil characteristics:
Water are held by capillary forces
and against the force of gravity.
Not sticky or plastic even when wet.

30

Clay / Heavy Soil

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Soil
Summary

When wet is plastic and sticky.

When dry it becomes firm.
Clay-sized particles
Smaller than 0.002 mm diameter
Have large ratio of surface to volume,
10-1000 m2/g, in compare to Silt
1 m2/g and Sand 0.1 m2/g.

Hold minerals best.

Most difficult to proper irrigation.
31

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

32

Slope & Drainage

Flat field
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis

Slopy field
Regular/irregular

Water
Soil
Summary

The slope influence

The water & mineral distribution
In the field
33

End of Soil Qualities

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

34

The Environment (Climate)

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

35

Solar Radiation
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

36

Photosynthesis
Intensity

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

37

Net for radiation & hail protection

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

38

:Effect
Transpiration
Plant deseases
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

39

Relative Humidity

RH Measurement tool
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

40

Wind
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

41

Preface

:Wind main effects on plant

Increase transpiration.
Effect anchoring
Effect on plant training

Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

42

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

43

Temperature
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

44

Air
Soil

Temperature role
Flowering phenomena's.
Preface
Roots

Fruit set.
Fruit growth

Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

Root activity.

Along the day.

Along the seasons

45

Air
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil

Soil 15 cm

Summary

Soil 40 cm

46

Temp C

Preface

Temperatures along the season

50
3030
28

46

27

44

25

40

24

38

23
22

36

21

34

2020

32

Moisture

Roots

19

30

18

28

17
16

Photosynthesis
Water
20
Soil
Summary
10

26

15

24

14

22

13

20

12

18

11
10

16
14

9
10

12

10

1
0
0:00
01/03/2005

1/3

47

0:00
01/04/2005

1/4

0:00
01/05/2005

1/5

0:00
01/06/2005

1/6

0:00
01/07/2005

Date

1/7

0:00
01/08/2005

1/8

0:00
01/09/2005

1/9

0:00
01/10/2005

1/10

0:00
01/11/2005

1/11

Temp C

Moisture

Preface

26

42

Temp C

40

Legend
---cm 15
GroPoint 1
GroPoint
2
---cm
40
Temperature 1
Temperature
Temp
5 2cm
soil
--Temp Air

29

48

Water stress-Heat wave

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

48

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

49

Rain & Snow=Precipitation

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

50

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

51

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

52

Frost

Winter
Preface
Spring

frost

Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

53

Spring frost damage

Alfalfa
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

Apple

54

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

55

Water sources
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

56

Canal
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

57

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

58

Well
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

59

Well 2
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

60

Artesian Well
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

61

reservoir
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

62

Rain drainage
Spring/River

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

63

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

64

Pressurized
network
Preface

Gravity

Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

Booster

65

:The good news

We have not lost
Preface Pressure
Roots

Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

66

Do You Remember?
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Soil
Summary

Which type of soil feels gritty

when pressed between
fingers?
Which type of soil has the
smallest particles size?
Which type of soil has a the
greater capacity to absorb
water?
Which type of soil promote
drainage and aeration?

67

Heavy

Medium

Light

Heavy

Medium

Light

Heavy

Medium

Light

Heavy

Medium

Light

Do You Remember?
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Soil
Summary

68

Light soil, saturated quickly / slowly.

Heavy soil, saturated quickly / slowly.
Light soil, partial / full drainage.
Heavy soil, partial / full drainage.

Summary
Preface

You are familiar with the basic agronomic

concepts referring to:

Roots

plants organs: roots,shoots,leaves

Photosynthesis

photosynthesis,

Water

Soil,

Soil

Water

Summary
Summary

Nutrients
Climate effects
Water sources

69

Irrigation principles
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

70

Flood Irrigation
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

71

Sprinklers Irrigation
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

72

Drip Irrigation
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

73

Water consumption
Along the day
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

74

Kc Factor

LAI Index
Planting scheme

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

,Richard G. Allen, M.ASCE1; Luis S. Pereira, M.ASCE2; Martin Smith3; Dirk Raes4; and James L. Wright
M.ASCE5

75

Kc Demonstrate the water stress we

apply
Preface
Roots

:According

Phenological stage,
Photosynthesis
Rootstock,
Water
Crop load,
Soil Soil type,
Summary
Potential fruit size,
Other factors of local (Specific plot) experience.

76

The 3 big questions

Regarding Irrigation
Preface
Roots

When start irrigation?

According soil & climate conditions.

Photosynthesis
Water
Soil

How much water to apply?

According planning tables (Etp*Kc ).
According to plant response.

Summary

How often (interval)?

According soil qualities.Do not leach deeper then 50 cm.
According plant indicators .

77

Meteorological data need for

ETp
Preface

Air Temperature

Roots
Photosynthesis

Relative humidity

Water
Soil
Summary

Radiation
Wind speed

78

Irr (mm/d)=ETp * kC
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

79

Irrigation Terms:
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

80

Mm=10 m^3 of water / 1 Hectare.

= 1 liter / 1 m^2 of field.
Irrigation rate (mm/h) :
Emmiter discharge (l/h) / setting area (m^2)

Irrigation plan according

climate data
Preface

Class A pen

Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

81

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

82

Soil Moisture monitoring

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

83

Auger

Soil Moisture monitoring

Preface

Tensiometer

Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

84

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

85

Water potential
continuum:
Preface
Soil
Roots
Photosynthesis
Root
Water
Leaf
Soil
Summary

86

End of Irrigation principles

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

87

Nutrigation

Month
April
May

Preface

June

Roots
July

Photosynthesis
Water

August

Soil
Summary

September

October

Total

88

Drip( L/H)
Drip spacing (m)
Row spacing (m)
Irr rate (mm/h)

2.3
0.5
5
0.92

Week
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

Phenology
Budbreak

Etp (mm/d)
2.5
2.6
2.9
Bloom
2.9
3.1
Cell deviation
2.8
Cell deviation
3
Fruitset
3.5
Cell deviation
4.2
2.7
2.7
3.1
3.7
3
2.9
3.3
3.4
3.4
3.6
2.9
2.8
2.1
2.3
Harvest
1.9
1.9
1.5
1.2
Leaf-fall (start)
1.2

Program Apple

Kc
0
0
0
0
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.7
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.6
0.35
0.3
0.3

Ks
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0.95
0.95
0.95
0.95
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.6
0.6

Example

Irr (mm/d) Irr (min/d) N (Kg/Ha) P (Kg/Ha) K (Kg/Ha)

0
0
0
0
0
0
10
10
10
0
0
10
10
10
0.62
40
10
10
10
0.84
55
10
10
10
1.2
78
10
10
10
1.75
114
10
10
10
2.52
164
10
10
1.7955
117
10
10
1.7955
117
10
10
2.356
154
10
10
2.812
183
10
2.16
141
10
2.088
136
2.376
155
2.448
160
2.448
160
2.592
169
2.088
136
1.792
117
1.344
88
1.472
96
1.216
79
0.912
59
0.42
27
0.216
14
0.216
14
276.339

100

60

120

 Mineral Nutrition Principles

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

89

Mineral Nutrition principles

The role of main nutrients
Preface
Roots

N=Vegetative Growth
Amino Acids build up

K= Water transport Cells

Photosynthesis elongation
Water
Soil
Summary

Ca=Membrane stability
Mg=Binding compound,chlorophil build up

P=Organic acids,ATP,Photosynthesis
90

Examples of yield-limiting minimum factors presented as

minimum barrel

minimum factors

Preface

Soil
Summary

91

Ca

N PK

Mg

50

15

N P K

Mg

Ca

trace elements

Water

CO2 et al

Photosynthesis

trace elements

Roots

CO2 et al

yield
t / ha

Interaction between nutrients

Mn

Ca

Preface

Fe

Roots

Cu

Photosynthesis
Water
Soil

Mg

Summary

Mo
B
N

92

Zn

Minerals absorption in roots

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

Minerals penetrate root

Only
In soil moisture
93

Symplastic and apoplast pathways

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

Minerals flow from roots

To the plant vesicles (xylem)
94

EFFECT OF Ph ON AVAILABILTY OF NUTRIENTS

pH
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

95

Fungi
Bacteria
Nitrification
NH4
NO3
Ca & Mg
P
K
S
B
Cu & Zn
Fe & Mn
Mo
Al

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

96

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil

Minerals move
in plant
with the water
stream

C
a

C
a
C
a

C
a

C
a

Summary
C
a

C
a
C
a

97

C
a

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

98

Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

99

Nitrate concentration at 10 hrs in sand

7%

Strategy A

Strategy B

Nitrate applied last

Nitrate applied first

16%
6.4 kg N/ha

2.8 kg N/ha
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil

93%

37.2 kg N/ha
Summary

> 20 kg N/ha
more than
30 cm below
emitter

0.0

10

0.2

0.4

0.6

84%
33.6 kg N/ha

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2.0

Nutrient application regime

Preface

Apply amount according plant demand.

Roots

Apply on time according plant demand.

Photosynthesis

Take in account soil qualities (=Structure,

Ph,Organic matter).

Water
Soil
Summary

10

Take in account soil & air temperature.

The optimal way for nutrients aplication

Preface

Irrigation

Roots

Plant
demand
Photosynthesis

Excessive rate
Deficiency rate

Water
Soil
Chemical
Summary
equilibrium

Time
10

NETAFIM Dosing
equipment
Preface
Roots
Photosynthesis
Water
Soil
Summary

End of Mineral nutrition

Principles
10