With Plantae tools, it is possible to save water and energy by installing probes in apple orchards, as confirmed by a client from Lleida.
Using Plantae probes in apple cultivation
The client starts using the root moisture and temperature sensors, with irrigation events of 2 hours 18 minutes, and after analyzing the information from the soil sensors, decides to reduce these events to 1 hour 30 minutes. As we can see in the image below, the moisture in the soil is the same after this 35% saving.
Keys to good apple tree cultivation with probes
Las necesidades hídricas del manzano varían según el clima, el tipo de suelo, la edad del árbol, la etapa de crecimiento y las condiciones específicas de la plantación. Un manejo adecuado del riego es crucial para garantizar un crecimiento saludable y maximizar la producción de frutos de calidad.
Factors to take into account:
- In the case of Lleida, it is a humid climate, where evapotranspiration is lower than in hot and dry climates, therefore irrigation control prevents excess humidity in the root environment and we give the tree the amount of water it needs at all times.
- Assess the soil composition, which varies greatly from sandy to clayey or sandy loam.
- The age of the trees in the plantation. Young trees have less root bulb depth.
- The phenological state of the crop. We must increase the water during fruit setting. Water stress influences the size and quality of apples. It also influences their colour and flavour.
- During ripening and post-harvest, water requirements are lower.
At the Lleida client, apple tree cultivation improves its quality with a considerable saving of water. It also favours the health of the apple tree by:
- Overwatering can lead to root asphyxiation and displacement of oxygen from the soil.
- The appearance of fungi also increases when humidity is excessive.
- Fruits may crack or rot.
If you have any questions, you can contact our technical team.
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