Fig. 1.1: Drip irrigation of hops
Fig. 1.2: Fertilizer input with fertigation of hops
Methodology - set up and carry out fertilization and irrigation trials with accuracy and precision in the period 2017 to 2019 on different varieties and in different locations - harvest from field trial plants to determine dry matter of cones and residual plant parts - analysis of nutrient content of cones and residual plant parts - calculate level of N extraction to assess N utilization - take soil samples in spring and autumn for Nmin analysis - determine development of biomass and nutrient uptake in current hop varieties over the growing season - apply pre-determined weekly amounts of nitrogen via irrigation water at the time when uptake rates are highest (Fig. 1.3) - carry out SPAD meter and multispectral measuring to determine current N status - investigate the effect different water application methods have with different N fertilization systems - use climate models in combination with soil humidity sensors to control drip irrigation to suit location requirements
9