Distribution uniformity (DU) has long been viewed as a top priority for orchard managers. However, many successful growers are turning to a next-generation measurement thought to be more effective in improving yield: transpiration uniformity (TU).

Ceres Imaging's Head of Science James McBride discusses the differences between these two uniformity metrics in West Coast Nut.

westcoastnut_transpiration

Distribution uniformity is a measure of the irrigation system. Transpiration uniformity is a measure of the plant itself, and as such, is more closely related to the holy grail of tree uniformity.

Specifically, DU describes how uniformly water is being applied across the orchard—in other words, whether certain parts of the orchard are receiving more water than others. TU, on the other hand, measures how uniformly the crop is transpiring, or releasing water vapor.

The major advantage of TU over DU is that TU is a direct measurement of the plant and is more closely related to yield than an indirect measurement like DU. Additionally, it is far easier to obtain highly accurate TU measurements than DU measurements at scale, making it a more practical metric for busy growers.

To learn more and read the full article, visit West Coast Nut.

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