Plantae is dedicated to the design, development, and marketing of wireless sensor technology for water conservation and improved crop production. For this reason, Plantae sensors are increasingly being used in avocado plantations in Spain and Latin America.
In this article, we will analyze avocado varieties and the essential care this tree needs, whose fruit is recognized worldwide as a cornerstone of health. We will also evaluate the critical importance of applying controlled irrigation to maximize harvest quality.
Note: Plantae does not sell avocado plants or offer technical advice on which varieties or types to plant in each region. The purpose of this article is solely to provide information on the use of sensors and probes for measuring soil moisture, temperature, and conductivity in the subsoil for the application of precision agriculture at all phenological stages of the crop.
Avocado Irrigation in Spain and Latin America
Managing avocado cultivation and its phenology is more complex than that of other fruits. Proper irrigation is the absolute key to success, as this tree requires a constant and balanced supply of water to ensure optimal growth and profitable fruiting. Below, we assess the most crucial factors:
Water Needs
Avocados need regular irrigation to keep the soil consistently moist, but never saturated. During active growth and fruit production stages, it is vital to ensure that water effectively penetrates the tree’s deep roots.
Irrigation Method
Drip irrigation is the most efficient and recommended system in Spain. It provides a continuous and uniform supply directly to the root system, preventing losses due to evaporation and runoff.
Avocado roots are shallow; that is, the tree lacks the ability to seek moisture in deeper soil layers during droughts. However, it requires a constant water supply for its fruit to reach its optimal size and accumulate the valuable percentage of healthy fats that characterize it.
If the humidity in the root zone is excessive, pathogenic fungi such as Phytophthora proliferate immediately. Avocados do not tolerate waterlogging because their roots are extremely sensitive to root asphyxiation and rot easily.
Irrigation Frequency
This varies depending on weather conditions, soil texture, and the tree’s stage of development. As a general guideline during the peak growth period, irrigation is usually spaced 7 to 10 days apart, although it is essential to continuously monitor the subsoil to make necessary adjustments.
Water Quantity
This depends on the age and size of the tree and the local climate. On average, an avocado tree requires between 25 and 35 liters of water per week. It is crucial to adapt these volumes to the specific needs of the orchard and the conditions of the region.
Soil Monitoring with Sensors
Since water stress severely affects avocados, the use of Plantae’s moisture, temperature, and conductivity sensors and probes is yielding exceptional results. Their digital control allows for the prevention of both water shortages and excess moisture, optimizing the use of scarce resources such as water and energy in production areas.
- Avocados are highly susceptible to water stress, making monitoring with wireless sensors and probes crucial.
- Furthermore, water and energy are saved, an essential factor for irrigation management.
- In the northern region, we monitor relative humidity and flow rate with a flow meter.
The Plantae weather station also includes an anemometer and a rain gauge.
In the image above, we can see the irrigation control system with a moisture and conductivity sensor. The drip irrigation tubing also incorporates a flow meter, which indicates the water flow rate and helps prevent malfunctions in the irrigation system.
Avocado Plantation in Valencia
Valencia, a region traditionally linked to citrus cultivation, is making a strong commitment to new avocado plantations, implementing drip irrigation systems monitored with Plantae wireless probes to ensure their viability.
Characteristics of Ideal Soil
Avocados do not thrive in purely clay soils; these soils are heavy, compact easily, and prone to waterlogging, which hinders the proper development of the root system, weakening it completely. Even in ideal soil, the root system would be even weaker.
The preferred soils are light, that is, sandy and sandy loam, as shown in the following diagram. Sandy soils require enrichment to nourish the plant. With good irrigation management, avocados adapt better to all types of soil.
Summary of key cultivation factors
- Climate: The ideal climate is tropical or subtropical. High temperatures and controlled subsoil moisture are essential. Average temperatures should not vary significantly between day and night.
- Sunlight: This plant requires high light exposure. Branches that do not receive sunlight are not productive, so pruning should be done to ensure that all branches receive light, except for the central one.
- Salinity: This plant is very sensitive to salinity. Therefore, irrigation should be frequent and with high-quality water, monitoring the watering schedule and measuring the depth of the soil moisture. This minimizes salt accumulation and greatly benefits production.
Evapotranspiration Diagram. 1-Humidity and temperature sensors. 2-Smart sensor for humidity, conductivity, and temperature. 3-Probe reaching deeper into salt accumulation. 4-Water filtration. 5-Evaporation. 6-Transpiration. 7-Rain and drip irrigation.
Avocado Cultivation in Spain
Avocados in Spain are cultivated in Málaga, especially in the Axarquía region, as well as in Granada and the Canary Islands, because they require a subtropical climate. Their cultivation is growing exponentially. Cultivation is now beginning in Huelva, Cádiz, Almería, Murcia, Alicante, and Valencia in areas with low frost rates, due to the high demand for avocados in Spain and Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
It is also beginning to be cultivated in the northern region, along the coast to avoid frost. Our production has the advantage of reaching the national and European markets very quickly, unlike that from Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Israel. Many farmers are investing in its cultivation and replacing other, less profitable crops.
Most Commonly Grown Avocado Varieties in Spain
The avocado tree belongs to the Lauraceae family, the same as bay laurel, cinnamon, and camphor. The three species or races of this tree are Mexican (small and very oily), Guatemalan (medium-sized and quite oily), and West Indian (larger and less oily). The commercial varieties are:
- Hass: The most widely grown avocado variety in Spain. With a hazelnut flavor, dark skin, yellow flesh, small size, and a slightly rough texture. It is the most consumed and cultivated worldwide. It is available from January to June.
- Fuerte: Pear-shaped and known for its flavor. High oleic acid content and medium fat content. It includes the cocktail variety. Harvested from November to March.
- Bacon: A very early variety, harvesting begins in October in areas like the Axarquía region of Málaga and continues until the end of December. It has a smooth, green skin and an oval shape. It is a hybrid of the Hass.
Other varieties: Carmen (a Hass-type variety that appears on the market a little earlier), Lamb Hass (with a slightly different shape and later production), Pinkerton (longer than Hass and with a smaller seed, therefore more flesh) and Reed (smaller in size but with high production, harvested from April to July).
Parts of the avocado: Exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp..
The avocado, Spain’s “third testicle”
Avocado is derived from “ahuacatl,” which means “testicle” in an indigenous language. Given the significant increase in its production in Spain, it has become popularly known as the “third Spanish testicle.” The properties of this fruit are remarkably extensive:
Healthy fats: Its monounsaturated fat is highly beneficial for combating cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular problems. Its final proportion in the fruit depends directly on the amount of water absorbed by the plant.
Minerals and Vitamins: Daily consumption promotes calcium absorption and is notable for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in fiber and antioxidants and has a high potassium content (therefore, high consumption is not recommended for people with kidney problems).
The fruit ripens as it darkens and, characteristically, always does so after being picked from the tree.
Guacamole Plantae
A classic avocado recipe, perfect for making toast. It’s easy to prepare and very healthy because it naturally counteracts the saturated fats we consume in other foods.
Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
1 large tomato, diced
1/4 red onion (finely chopped) and 1 crushed garlic clove
Juice of 1 lemon or lime, a small handful of chopped fresh cilantro, and salt to taste
Preparation:
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh with a spoon, placing it in a large bowl.
- Using a fork, mash the avocados until you obtain a slightly creamy consistency.
- If you prefer a smoother guacamole, you can use a food processor.
- Add the diced tomato, red onion, crushed garlic, lemon or lime juice, and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. You can adjust the amount of salt and lemon juice to your personal preference. It pairs excellently with salmon, tuna, or anchovies.
Article Sources: Plantae-AGRO
