Plantae’s technology for controlling irrigation during heat waves is based on monitoring the crop’s water status and environmental conditions to dynamically adjust irrigation. Its aim is to prevent both water stress and over-irrigation, especially during periods of extreme temperatures.
Heat Waves
During a heat wave, the atmosphere’s evaporative demand increases considerably. Prevention is key.
A system like Plantae integrates information from sensors that measure:
- Humidity: Monitors the soil’s moisture status.
- Soil Temperature: Measures root temperature.
- Ambient Humidity: Measures the outside temperature.
- Solar Radiation: Monitors evapotranspiration.
- Compost Temperature: Essential at different depths for monitoring biological activity.
- Rain Gauge: Measures each rainfall event.
- Anemometer: Windy days generate higher evapotranspiration.
- Relative Humidity and Ambient Temperature: Measures thermal integral, chilling hours, VPD, dew point, and leaf wetness
Plantae Technology Applications to Heat Waves
With data from sensors, flow meters, and agricultural weather stations, farmers can make informed decisions updated in real time via their app:
Anticipate water needs before water stress and stomatal closure occur (Olive tree stomata – Factors influencing their closure – Water stress)
- Increase irrigation frequency without necessarily increasing the total volume.
- Prevent runoff losses.
- Adapt irrigation to the evolution of the heat wave. By monitoring the crop with the help of graphs, farmers can:
- Maintain soil moisture within the optimal range.
- Reduce stomatal closure during peak temperatures.
- Decrease fruit and flower drop.
- Improve yield and quality. Harvest even during extreme heat waves.
- Ensure the plant recovers better from the impact of the heat wave.
In general, it is better to carry out preventative irrigation before the peak of the heat than to wait for the crop to show signs of stress. It is essential to irrigate at least 48 hours before the heat wave.
This advance application is especially important in:
Olive trees.
Vineyards.
Almond trees.
Citrus fruits.
Control in horticultural crops such as:
Tomatoes.
Peppers.
Cucumbers.
Lettuce.
Decision-making during a heat wave
Plantae sensors during a heat wave can help the farmer make decisions such as:
Performing several short irrigation pulses throughout the day, rather than one intensive pulse.
Maintaining uniform moisture in the root zone.
Reducing heat stress and wilting.
Promoting nutrient absorption.
Reducing physiological problems associated with heat, such as Apical necrosis or loss of firmness.
Benefits of technology during a heat wave
Technical control: Without real-time soil data, this adjustment is done practically blindly — and the margin of error — in a heat wave is much greater than it seems.
