To analyze only the effect of the water treatment, irrespective
of the climatic conditions and the possible climatic variability,
the experiment was carried on during year 2010 in a controlled
environment. The experimental site, located in Florence (Italy)
(43 460 Lat. N, 11 130 Long. W, 42 m a.s.l.), was set with a PVC
cover mounted on metal pipes at a height of 2 m and open on
the sides in order to protect the crop from precipitations
whilst ensuring adequate ventilation. The air temperature
and relative humidity were hourly recorded by a HOBO
weather station (H08-032-08 Pro RH/Temp, Contoocook USA)
for monitoring the microclimatic conditions