The use of tensiometers to automatically control the irrigation of ornamental species in containers

The detection of soil water potential by means of tensiometers is one of the possible techniques to adapt water supply to real plant exigencies, reducing water and nutrient consumption and the environmental impact. The aim of the different experiments illustrated in this paper was the evaluation of tensiometer performances in the automatic control of the irrigation or fertigation of some ornamental species cultivated in containers. Different experiments were carried out over a two-year period on four ornamental species. Three species were cultivated outdoor and equipped with a drop irrigation system while the fourth was cultivated in greenhouse using two different irrigation techniques (drop and subirrigation). In all experiments, tensiometer-based system allowed water or nutrient solution saving ranging from 45% to 25% in comparison with timer-based irrigation management, without negatively affect plant growth and qualitative characteristics. Some arrangements to obtain the best performances of tensiometers in the automatic irrigation management are also illustrated.