Sporadic rainfall has kept soil moisture levels reasonably topped up with levels similar to historical averages. NIWA’s regional predictions for the January to March period in Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty are for temperatures to be above average, rainfall to be below average and soil moisture to be below average.

NZ Avocado encourages its growers to monitor their soil moisture levels with whatever equipment they have available to ensure trees have enough water but are not over irrigated. Digging a few holes with a spade is better than nothing and their trees may thank them for it. 

For growers with tensiometers, they should be starting to think about irrigating when their 30cm tensiometer is reading 15 - 20 kPa in sandy soils and 25 - 40 kPa for clay loam soils. Stop when 60cm tensiometers are reading between 5-10 kPa for both soil types to prevent overwatering. 

For more information on irrigation refer to page 36 of NZ Avocado’s ‘Growing Productive Trees’ guide, which can be found on its website under the Orchard Mngt tab or by clicking here.