Open field soilless system using cocopeat substrate bags improves tree performance in a young Mediterranean persimmon orchard

•Young persimmon trees colonized the substrate bag the first year after plantation.•In subterraneous bags, root distribution is preferentially inside the bag, in superficial bags root distribution is preferentially under the bag.•The use of substrate bags improves water use efficiency, tree growth and yield and change the ripening period of the fruit.•Open field soilless system technique is suitable in young fruit tree plantations. The effect of installing cocopeat substrate bags either lying on the soil surface or buried in the soil was evaluated on a newly-established persimmon orchard growing under semi-arid conditions with conventional irrigation and fertilization practices. Tree growth and leaf water and nutrient status were determined for four seasons after tree planting. Compared to the control, cocopeat substrate bags increased vegetative growth and, in the third year, increased fruit yield by 40%. In the fourth year, fruit yield was not significantly affected by cocopeat substrate bags, but bags increased fruit fresh weight by 21% and accelerated fruit ripening. Rapid and substantial root colonization of the cocopeat bags was observed regardless of placement. Trees with the cocopeat substrate bags had improved water status compared with the control for some monitoring dates, which could explain the improved tree performance. Except for an increase in P and Cl, leaf nutrient concentrations were not affected by the cocopeat substrate treatments. We concluded that the open field soilless system technique is a viable option for enhancing persimmon tree performance during orchard establishment. Further research is needed to optimize fertilizer practices when using cocopeat substrate bags and to test their use with other fruit crops grown under similar environmental conditions. [Display omitted]