Intensive methods of orchard cultivation require more effective ways of irrigation and fertilization. Recently apple (Malus ×domestica) orchards in the Trentino area of northeastern Italy have converted from traditional sprinkler irrigation to drip irrigation, both with or without fertigation. An experimental field trial was started at the end of 2008 in a 'Golden Delicious'/M9 orchard at Tres (Province of Trento) to develop specific fertilization plans, in order to limit fertilizer input and reduce nutrient runoff into waterways. A factorial experiment with two fertilizer treatments (soil application of granular fertilizers or fertigation through drip emitters) and two water application rates (1500 or 3000 m 3 /ha/yr) was established. Compared with granular fertilizer, fertigation significantly increased leaf greenness, increased leaf nitrogen (N) concentration, and reduced phosphorus (P) concentration in the fruits at harvest. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values, a measure of canopy growth, were affected by both fertilization and water rate. Fertigation, through the end of July, enhanced NDVI values compared to granular fertilization, while NDVI values during the growing season had variable responses to water application rate. Application of the higher water rate decreased sugar and firmness values of fruits. The reduced water application rate decreased the concentrations of N, boron (B), and calcium (Ca) in the fruits, and increased fruit magnesium (Mg) concentration. The results of this three-year Trentino apple trial suggest a generally positive effect of fertigation on enhanced effectiveness of fertilization and improved fruit quality. Further research on the interaction of fertilizer and water management is required to fully develop the scientific basis for fertigation recommendations for local growers. INTRODUCTION Intensive methods of orchard cultivation are widely used in the Trentino region of northeastern Italy. Recently there has been a gradual conversion from traditional sprinkler irrigation to drip irrigation in local apple orchards. Traditional fertilization of apple trees involves distributing granular fertilizers under the canopy one or two times during the season. The sprinkler irrigation system enables the fertilizer to be dissolved so it is readily absorbed by plants. In contrast, drip irrigation does not dissolve the fertilizer granules; consequently their solubilization relies on rainfall, resulting in decreased effectiveness of granular fertilizer in drip systems. Fertigation, application of fertilizers through an irrigation system by the use of drippers, micro-jets or sprinklers, provides an excellent opportunity to maximize yield and minimize environmental pollution by increasing fertilizer use efficiency, minimizing fertilizer application, and increasing return on the fertilizer invested (Hagin et al., 2002). For most crops, the efficiency of fertilizer uptake with fertigation is improved from 10 to 35 percent (Neilsen et al., 2001; Mussaddak, 2007), because the nutrients dissolved in water can be quickly delivered to the root zone. Bravdo and Proebsting (1993) reported that the higher effectiveness of fertigation depends on the possibility of applying optimal concentrations of fertilizing solutions and a higher root density in the wetted soil volume.