- before flowering, when rainfall is insufficient during the autumn-winter period;
- during the intensive growth of shoots (usually in May);
- after the June dripping of the knots to ensure fruit growth;
- in July and August, when the drought is greatest, in order to ensure the normal course of flower formation and fruit growth;
- before ripening of the fruits of the winter varieties for the purpose of ripening of the fruits and their normal ripening and good coloring, but not later than 20 days before harvest;
- in late autumn to ensure, if necessary, optimal soil moisture during the winter.
- The irrigation rate for apple orchards depends on the soil type, the rootstocks on which the varieties are grafted, the soil moisture before irrigation. Usually, each watering of orchards requires from 50 to 70 m3 of water per decare, depending on the soil type, and in shallower groundwater the irrigation rate is reduced.
