With Plantae tools, you can save water and energy in citrus cultivation.
Using Plantae tools in citrus cultivation
Here we show two examples of completely different needs. In the first graph, we have a client who subjects their crop to water stress between flowering and fruit set. In the second graph, we have a second client, a citrus company, who was unable to achieve good fruit size.
Soil moisture probes at 20cm (orange) and 40cm (black) depths
In the first case, we see how the client has been able to manipulate the soil moisture levels, both in terms of duration and depth.
(Shaded in green).
Similarly, we see how they have controlled the duration of irrigation to increase soil moisture during the period when the crop was developing fruit size.
(Shaded in blue).
Soil moisture probes at depths of 20cm (blue), 40cm (black), and 60cm (green).
In the second example, for the second client, we can confirm that the fruit was not reaching its full size because the soil was not maintaining the ideal moisture level.
(Orange shading).
We have a very clear picture of how the client has been adjusting their irrigation practices as guided by the Plantae tool.
Investing in technology for citrus cultivation
The first client opted for the Basic service: 1 hub and 2 soil moisture probes at depths of 20cm and 40cm respectively, measuring moisture, conductivity, and temperature. Installation and soil analysis are included in the price. They renewed the service in the second year.
The second client opted for the Basic service of: 1 hub and 3 soil moisture probes measuring moisture, conductivity, and temperature. Installation and soil analysis are included in the price. The client also invested in 10 additional probes, thus monitoring all their irrigation sectors.
Keys to Successful Citrus Cultivation
Plantae’s experience with citrus is backed by our clients in Andalusia, Murcia, and the Valencian Community.
The best way to irrigate citrus crops is with drip irrigation, either surface or subsurface. The formation of the wetting zone around the root promotes nutrient absorption while preventing evaporation.
Citrus crops require optimized irrigation:
- Control the frequency of irrigation, regulating it according to the warmer periods. It is important to install a dripper flow meter.
- It is important to analyze the soil type and assess water retention. This influences the formation of the wetting zone.
- It is crucial to monitor the risk of frost with an outdoor temperature sensor from our weather station.
- Waterlogging is detrimental; it causes yellowing leaves and puts the fruit at risk.
- Humidity sensors allow us to monitor the water they need in real time.
- Water stress severely impairs production.
- Finally, we measure electrical conductivity to prevent the accumulation of salts, which affects root health and the proper absorption of nutrients the plant needs.
These characteristics are even more critical in intensive farming. Irrigation control becomes essential because water requirements are greater in a smaller amount of soil per plant.
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