Protecting Brambles During Drought:
Understanding Impacts and Irrigation Strategies
Water drives fruit production and primocane development. In first year plantings, adequate and consistent moisture is critical for building a deep, resilient root system that sets the foundation for future yields. In established plantings, timely irrigation during fruit development and ripening is essential for a bountiful crop, helping to maximize berry quality and quantity.
Dry conditions and insufficient watering lead to drought stress. Drought stress during fruit development affects fruit quality, size, and yield. When brambles experience drought conditions just before harvest, the fruits shrivel or dry up. Insufficient water and prolonged drought can result in stunted primocane growth and affect flower bud development, resulting in detrimental effects on the following season’s crop.
Understanding your soil's type and how it holds water helps determine how often irrigation is necessary. Sandy, well-draining soil requires more frequent watering than heavier, clay soils or loamy soils rich in organic matter. Note: Excessive soil moisture encourages root rot, especially in raspberry plantings.
A properly installed irrigation system gives growers maximum control over one of the most critical inputs: water. It minimizes the risk of drought stress, improves consistency, and allows for fertigation (the injection of fertilizer to “spoon-feed” the plants). We recommend installing an irrigation system before or immediately after planting.
Nourse Farms proudly recommends Brookdale Fruit Farm as an irrigation system supplier. Brookdale Fruit Farm helps design irrigation systems based on available water source, crop selection, and field layout to ensure efficient water treatment.
Tip: We recommend lightly mulching with weed-free straw during establishment to help control weeds, minimize erosion, and retain soil moisture. Do not mulch brambles beyond the first year.
Resources
Commercial Blackberry Production
Commercial Production Guide Blackberry & Raspberry
This article is from our February Edition of Growing Together.
