It has been said by many experienced cherry growers that “cherries don’t like wet feet.” In other words, extended periods in waterlogged soils are harmful for cherries. Rotator sprinkler irrigation is ideal for cherries, especially when irrigation sets completely fill the root zone with water at a low application rate, and then a rest period of no irrigation follows.

In some soils, daily irrigation with drip may stick cherries in continuous water saturation. In sweet cherries, select a dual system where drip irrigation can be used when fruit is ripening (to prevent spraying water on the fruit, which may cause splitting), and switch to a low application rate, full-coverage Rotator system right after harvest. Our full-coverage irrigation system reduces stress on the cherries by irrigating the full orchard, reducing mite pressure, and cooling the orchard environment during the bud initiation stage. In general, select Rotator sprinklers with lower stream heights such as the R5 with Blue plate, the S7 Spinner with Black plate, the R10 with Red plate, or the R2000 with one of the 6° plate options.

Nelson's feedtube assemblies are a durable and cost-effective way to prevent animal damage. In cherry orchards solid set is the system of choice.

Irrigating cherries is a complicated task that depends on everything from your region to your choice of valve. Explore some of the Nelson products commonly used for cherries below, or get in touch with the territory manager in your area so we can help find the right solution for you.