Orchard optimisation: producing apples efficiently in a changing climate

A drying climate is increasing the need for more efficient water use in South-West WA’s perennial horticulture industries. Precision irrigation tools, including soil moisture monitoring, can help growers apply water when and where plants need it, reducing unnecessary irrigation and optimising fertiliser application while supporting fruit quality, yields and farm profitability.

Building on an earlier Hub and DPIRD-led national project promoting soil moisture monitoring in horticulture, Orchard Optimisation will demonstrate how soil and above-ground monitoring can support better irrigation and orchard management decisions.

The project will generate seasonal data from five orchard sites across Western Australia and Victoria, covering a range of growing conditions and management systems. Soil moisture, temperature, sap flow and other environmental conditions will be monitored from flowering through to harvest. The data will be analysed alongside irrigation practices, fruit quality, yield and orchard performance to identify practical links between water use and productivity.

The project aims to improve water use efficiency, reduce the risks of under- and over-irrigation, and support wider adoption of soil moisture monitoring across the Western Australian apple industry.