Real-time detection of root zone-CO<inf>2</inf>and its potential for irrigation scheduling

Abstract

© 2015 by the authors. The suitability of root zone-CO2measurements (WR-CO2) for irrigation scheduling was investigated and evaluated. The basic assumption was that plants reduce root respiration as a reaction to water deficit. A study with apple trees proved that measured WR-CO2originates in large parts (56-72 %) from plant specific CO2production (mainly root respiration). Furthermore, WR-CO2reacts to irrigation as well as correlates with soil water content. Since WR-CO2variations were also reflected in changes of plant water status, basic potential of WR-CO2for irrigation demand assessment of the investigated apple trees is apparent. The transferability to other crops will be investigated.