Water management and salinity adaptation approaches of Avocado trees: A review for hot-summer Mediterranean climate
2021
Kourgialas, Nektarios N. | Dokou, Zoi
The production and consumption of avocado has increased significantly over the past years, experiencing a steady expansion into new markets around the world. This review paper focuses on avocado cultivation in its new markets with hot-summer Mediterranean climate. A significant literature gap exists on the viability of this crop in such data environments which experience limited availability of water in the summer exacerbated by climate change and potential salinity issues in irrigation water, typical in coastal regions. Strategies for handling salinity usually aim at preventing the build-up of salts in the root zone, while studies on the response of avocado trees to saline water have shown that it is highly influenced by rootstock selection. In this review paper priority is given to the appropriate irrigation water characteristics both in terms of quantity and quality for different tree sizes, soil characteristics and irrigation methods, including the use of reclaimed wastewater. Also, the effects of irrigation (frequency/amount) on fruit productivity are studied. This review also highlights the role of fertigation as well as the importance of a soil moisture and salinity monitoring. It is strongly suggested to use soil moisture sensor networks (precision agriculture) in avocado cultivations, to optimize irrigation management and promote water sustainability. Given the increasing dynamic in the expansion of this crop, especially in European countries with this climate type such as southern Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, among others, this review paper is expected to provide guidance on avocado cultivation in these regions with focus on its viability under water scarcity and salinity conditions.
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