With Plantae tools, water and energy can be saved by installing probes in apple orchards, as demonstrated by a client in Lleida.
Using Plantae probes in apple orchards
The client began using the root moisture and temperature sensors, with irrigation events every 2 hours and 18 minutes. After analyzing the data from the soil sensors, they decided to reduce these events to 1 hour and 30 minutes. As we can see in the image below, the soil moisture remains the same after this 35% savings.
Savings of 35% with the use of Plantae soil probes
Keys to Successful Apple Orchard Cultivation with Probes
The water needs of apple trees vary depending on the climate, soil type, tree age, growth stage, and specific orchard conditions. Proper irrigation management is crucial to ensure healthy growth and maximize the production of quality fruit.
Factors to consider:
- In the case of Lleida, the climate is humid, where evapotranspiration is lower than in hot, dry climates. Therefore, irrigation control prevents excess moisture in the root zone and ensures the tree receives the precise amount of water it needs at each stage.
- Evaluate the soil composition, which varies considerably from sandy to clay or sandy loam.
- The age of the trees in the orchard. Young trees have shallower root systems.
- The phenological stage of the crop. We must increase watering during fruit set. Water stress affects apple size and quality. It also impacts color and flavor.
- During ripening and post-harvest, water requirements are lower.
For our client in Lleida, apple cultivation improves quality with considerable water savings. It also benefits the health of the apple tree because:
- Excessive irrigation can lead to root asphyxiation and oxygen depletion in the soil.
- It also increases the likelihood of fungal growth when humidity is excessive.
The fruit can crack or rot.
If you have any questions, you can consult our technical team.
Probes in apple orchards. 1-Flow meter. 2-Humidity sensors. 3-Hub. 4-Graph.
