This technique may be used to partly remedy the elevated water requirements of the classic over-tree irrigation system and reduce the negative effects resulting from very high water contributions to the ground. In the under-tree alternative irrigation systems studied (Zinoni et al.), only the ground and/or the underlying vegetation is irrigated, and the protection comes from the heat produced by the water freezing which spreads by convection especially in the first few metres of the fruit orchard. The effectiveness entails the recovery of 2-3°C, especially in cases of freezing by “radiation” and in fruit orchards/vineyards on flat ground. It permits a moderate saving of water, requiring average rainfall of about 2-2.5 mm/h compared to 4-5 mm/h of the classic over-tree system.
