The water requirement of the Iranian Pistachio products can be calculated based on the evapotranspiration rate (ET) data. Evapotranspiration The processes of water loss are from the soil surface (evaporation) and from the crop surface (transpiration). Therefore, ET losses of pistachio trees are mainly affected by the climate and canopy of pistachio trees. However, soil type refers to water holding capacity. Therefore, the condition and capacity of the cultivated soil should always be checked so that the water requirement of pistachio trees can be calculated correctly. Therefore, soil moisture sensors can be used to more accurately plan irrigation. Note that when using the sensors, you must use at least two locations and at different depths to calculate the humidity. After calculating the moisture in the soil, if necessary, irrigate the trees of pistachio orchards.

Pistachio tree needs water
Irrigation time of pistachios

In general, the reproductive cycle of pistachio orchard trees can be summarized in the fourth stage:

Step 1: Expand the shell

Step 2: Hardening of the shell

Stage 3: Brain growth

Step 4: The post-harvest stage

In the second and post-harvest stages, pistachio trees are more tolerant of water stress. Therefore, in the interval between when the shell is destroyed and the brain grows faster, producers can reduce water consumption by up to 50%.

On the other hand, water stress of pistachio trees should be avoided at the leaf growth stage and close to harvest. Therefore, in the third stage, ie brain development, trees show the most sensitive stage to water stress. Water shortage at this stage will have a huge impact on the yield of pistachio trees.