Orchard Management (1+1)

MANGO: SOIL REQUIREMENTS UNDER IRRIGATION

MANGO

Mango:
Depending on the conditions under which the mango is grown, i.e. dry land or under irrigation, the response to the soil type will vary.

Soil requirements for cultivation under irrigation:

Drainage

• Mango trees grow best on a slight slope which enables runoff of excess water and prevents water logging. Avoid plantings on depressions or where, basins are poorly drained. The roots will turn black and become desiccated in over saturated soils as a result of a lack of aeration. Under such conditions the parts of the plant above the ground will wilt and show symptom of chlorosis.
• Mango trees do not grow and produce well in soils with impermeable layers.
• They also do not thrive on very steep slopes because excessive drainage in this case could lead to water shortages and soil erosion.

Soil depth:

• Under irrigation, mangoes grow well in soils with an unimpeded depth of more than 1 m. If irrigation scheduling is well planned, there should be no problem on soil with a depth of 750 mm, provided that any soil or rocky layers that restrict root growth to a depth of 750 mm allow excess water to drain easily.
• If not, a temporary shallow soil water-table could develop above this layer, with resulting damage to the trees.

Texture:

• The ideal soil texture for mango cultivation under irrigation is a sandy loam or loam (with a clay content of 15 to 25 %), but soils with a clay content of up to 50 % are also suitable.

Soil structure:

• The ideal soil has a fairly loose, brittle, crumbly structure.
• Compact or strongly-developed soil structures prevent effective water infiltration and root penetration. These soils are normally associated with high clay content in the subsoil.

Water:

• Allowing the soil to dry out for 2 or 3 months before the flowering stage will promote good flower formation. This phenomenon is attributed to a simultaneous stimulation of vegetative growth during the autumn months which, in turn, influences flower formation in spring.
• Fruit drop as well as the size and quality of mango fruit seems to be influenced by irrigation at certain times. Irrigation during the developmental stage of the fruit is essential to prevent fruit drop and to promote the development of young fruit. Additional irrigation from fruit set to ripening results in a considerable improvement in both fruit size and quality.