EFFECT OF AIR CONTENT OF SOIL ON AVOCADO TREE WATER STATUS AND GROWTH

Avocado trees evolved in andosol soils, which are considered the optimum type for tree growth due to their physical properties, mainly low bulk density (0.5 – 0.8 g cm ) and high macro porosity (approx. 46%). In Chile, avocado plantations are mostly located in fine textured soils, with bulk densities between 1.3 and 1.5 g cm and macro porosities below 20%. Due to these soil conditions, severe problems of poor root aeration are observed, which in part may reduce production levels of the crop. The objective of this research was to study the effect of soil aeration in the root zone on avocado water status. The ultimate goal of this study was to generate information for developing irrigation management strategies for avocado orchards that optimize both air and water distribution in the soil.