Pomegrante
The Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 5-8 m. The pomegranate is native to Iran and the Himalayas in northern India. It has been
cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean and Africa.
CLIMATE
Pomegranates are drought tolerant and can be grown in dry areas with either a Mediterranean winter rainfall climate or in summer rainfall climates. In wetter areas, they are prone to root decay from fungal
diseases. They are tolerant of moderate frost and temperatures of up to about -10°C.
SOIL
Pomegranates produce best on deep, heavy loams, but adapt to many soil types, from pure sand to heavy clay. They do well in alkaline soils (with up to 15% active lime). Yields are usually low on sands, while fruit color is poor on clays. PH range is 5.5-7.0.
PLANTING AND SPACING
In heavy soil, where soil suitability is not known or there are drainage problems, it is best to plant on raised beds. Row orientation should be north-west, south-east (in the northern hemisphere) for optimal light exposure. Organic manure or compost can be applied to improve the soil: 100-150
m3/ha. If the compost is spread along the planting line only, 50-70 cube/ha is applied, and then buried.
Planting distance: 5-6 m between rows 4-5 m between trees These are defined according to variety and local conditions.
Mature pomegranate trees can tolerate considerable drought, but for good fruit production, they must be irrigated. The plants are tolerant of moderately saline water and soil conditions.
New Plantation—Establishment Stage
Immediately after planting, the tree is given a large irrigation dosage so that the wetted area is wider than the planting hole.
The dripper should be attached to the tree trunk. During the first month after planting, irrigation is once a day, or once every two days, with small volumes of 2-4 liters per plant a day.
If all the drippers along the row are open (there is an option to temporarily seal some of the drippers between the two trees and to leave only 1-2 open), this volume is multiplied by the number of drippers per tree (For example : 8 drippers at 50 cm spacing x 2 liters = 16 liters a day).
About one month after planting, when the young tree is established and there is new growth, it is recommended to increase irrigation volume and intervals.
Young Orchard
First irrigation should occur when the moisture drops to an unsatisfactory level at a depth of 20-30 cm (root zone). Water dosage for the first irrigation is 50 m3/ha.
IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT AND TENSIOMETERS
Use of tensiometers is recommended from the third year onwards. Tensiometer depth should be 30, 60 cm in each station.
IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT SCHEDULE
Evaporation is measured using the pan evaporation method, or calculated according to
Penman’s equation. Transition to daily irrigation is made when the soil (very shallow or very light) does not retain the daily dosage, and a significant amount of the water percolates below the root zone. For example, in light soil the tension in the tensiometers drops during irrigation, but it is again too high before irrigation (this rise in tension does NOT result from insufficient daily dosage).
DRIP SYSTEM
The drip system is the most common and efficient solution for pomegranate irrigation.
Design guidelines: One drip lateral per row,1.6-2.2 l/h dripper every 50 cm.The dripper is placed close to the young tree in the first year.
Amnon PC
Thick-walled, pressure-compensating for maximum accuracy at variable topography, pressure fluctuation and long laterals. High clog resistance due to Cascade labyrinth and strong self-cleaning mechanism.
Anti-syphon (AS) feature available.
Diameter: 16, 20 mm
Flow rate: 1.6, 2.2 l/hr
TopDrip HD
Cost-effective PC dripper. Accurate performances at variable topography and pressure fluctuations.
High clog resistance due to Cascade labyrinth. Available with anti-syphon (AS).
Diameter: 16, 17, 20 mm
Flow rate: 1.6 l/hr
MICRO SPRINKLERS
Micro-sprinklers/sprayers offer controlled limited wetted area. The selection of micro-system vs. drip depends on local experience and practices. One micro-sprinkler or sprayer is required per tree. Generally placed between two trees.
Aqua Smart 2002
Flow-regulated unit Insect-proof
Flow rate: 30-70 l/hr
Diameter: 3.5-7.0 m
Dan Jet PC
Flow-regulated micro-jet
Easy supervision and maintenance.
Strip or circle wetted area configuration
Flow rate: 19-76 l/hr
Diameter: 2.4-5.0 m
NaanDanJain is committed to finding the ideal solution for your pomegranate crop,
tailored to your local climatic conditions, soil, water properties and budget. Contact
our office or your local dealer for further information.
