Dried fruits in Spain, depending on the variety and growing area, require optimized irrigation to prevent water stress and promote fruit quality. The main crops are: almonds, pistachios, walnuts, chestnuts (although agronomically they have different characteristics), and Mediterranean pine nuts.
The most important crops are almond and pistachio trees, to which we have already dedicated several articles. They are grown particularly in Mediterranean and semi-arid areas such as Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragon, Extremadura, and Murcia. We have sensors installed in various areas.
The need to optimize dried fruits production in Spain with Plantae sensors
Plantae’s wireless systems provide nut plantations with precision agriculture infrastructure through sensors and soil probes. Measuring key parameters in real time allows farms to substantially improve both fruit quality and harvest volumes.
The monitoring tools integrated into the Plantae ecosystem include:
Monitors the wetting bulb and, therefore, the factors that promote water and nutrient uptake. This is very important throughout all production stages, especially during fruit development.
Measures salinity, which influences fruit quality. In nut crops, electrical conductivity levels above 1.7 dS/m can begin to become significant and may reduce expected production.
Measures temperature down to 60 cm deep and provides information about the health of the root system.
Helps us anticipate periods of high heat and monitor new shoots and flowering.
Monitors irrigation at the beginning or end of irrigation sectors. It records the start and end times of each irrigation event, total duration, and liters applied, while also detecting leaks, breaks, or blockages.
All of these services can be installed, including a rain gauge, anemometer, relative humidity and ambient temperature sensor, and solar radiation sensor.
If you need more information, contact our team of advisors.
Main nut crops in Spain and their irrigation requirements
The almond tree
Traditionally, almond trees were grown under rainfed conditions, but new intensive and super-intensive plantations require sensor-controlled irrigation to maximize production and quality.
Need for sensors: high.
- Soil moisture, electrical conductivity, and temperature sensors.
- Weather station.
- Anemometer for automatic drip irrigation control.
Benefits of smart irrigation:
- 20–40% water savings.
- Larger almond size.
- Reduced water stress.
The pistachio tree
Pistachios have grown significantly in Spain due to their good adaptation to dry climates and high profitability.
Need to optimize cultivation with sensors: very high.
Pistachio trees are sensitive to both excess and insufficient water and therefore require:
- Capacitive soil moisture, electrical conductivity, and temperature sensors.
- Anemometer for irrigation control.
- Weather station.
The objective is to maintain controlled water stress according to the crop’s phenological stage, improving production without wasting water.
The walnut tree
Walnut trees require more water than almond or pistachio trees, especially when grown in central or southern Spain.
Need for sensors: essential.
- Deficit irrigation can significantly affect yield.
- Deep soil moisture must be monitored.
Hazelnut
Very common in Catalonia, particularly in Tarragona.
Need for sensors: medium-high.
- Requires relatively constant moisture.
- It is important to control summer water stress.
Nut agriculture in Spain is evolving towards:
- Precision agriculture.
- Controlled deficit irrigation.
- Agricultural digitalization.
- Use of artificial intelligence and climate data.
This is particularly important because of:
- Recurring droughts.
- Water restrictions.
- Rising energy costs.
- The need for sustainability.
Technical control: Monitoring soil moisture with agricultural sensors is fundamental for nut cultivation in Spain.
Measuring soil moisture around nut trees allows irrigation to be distributed closer to or farther from the trunk depending on root development.
It is very important to prevent waterlogging.
Maintaining a balance between the tree’s needs and the amount of water supplied helps prevent water stress.
Monitoring salt accumulation is essential.
Continuous monitoring helps prevent diseases that could damage the fruit.
Sources on nut production in Spain:
