Foliar absorption of salts from irrigation waters during sprinkler applications can result in accumulation of sufficient sodium and chloride ions to cause leaf burn and defoliation–as directly related to high temperatures, low humidity and water quality. An additional important factor in the accumulation of specific salts in leaves from irrigation waters is that more sodium and chloride are accumulated under intermittent type sprinkling than under continuous sprinkling. Intermittent sprinkling permits evaporation from leaf surfaces, thereby concentrating the salts in water films remaining on the leaves.