Effects of Aerated and Magnetized Irrigation Water on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Gala Apple in Xinjiang

Abstract

【Objective】 Pre-treating water prior to irrigation is an innovative technology increasingly used in modern irrigation. This paper compares the effect of irrigation using aerated (A) and magnetized (M) water on growth, yield and fruit quality of Gala apple in Xinjiang province. 【Method】 The experiment was conducted in an apple orchard, with freshwater irrigation treated as the control (CK). In each treatment, we measured the growth of the apple in different growth stages, as well as its ultimate fruit yield and quality. 【Result】 All irrigations significantly improved growth, fruit yield and quality of the apple. Compared with CK, aeration combined with magnetization increased the final shoot length and fruit size by 24.6% and 61.4%, respectively, while aerating the water alone increased leaf area index by 24.7%. Compared to CK, Magnetization and aeration working separately or in combination increased fruit yield by 19.2%~35.5%; their combination increased the fruit yield up to 37 239.93 kg/hm2. Compared with CK, magnetization and aeration working alone or in combination increased fruit hardness, soluble solid content, soluble sugar and Vc contents by 4.5%~7.9%, 13.9%~15.98%, 6.6%~28.2% and 15%~19.7%, respectively, and reduced detectable acid by 7.08%~18.35%. On average, magnetization- aeration combination was most effective in improving fruit yield and quality. 【Conclusion】 Irrigating the apple using the combination of magnetized and oxygenated water in Xinjiang can promote apple growth and improve its fruit yield and quality.

Keywords

• activating water
• xinjiang
• apple
• growth
• yield and quality