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Control apple size and yield with precision irrigation
Growing apples is all about controlling as many variables as possible to achieve uniform size and color as well as a longer shelf life. With precision irrigation, you can control both irrigation and nutrition needs.
Why choose drip irrigation for apples?
DRIVE PROFITABILITY TO THE MAX
- A perfect fit
Modern apple cultivation favors high tree population and dense planting. Drip irrigation distributes water locally along narrow crop rows while keeping the surface between each row dry. Drip lines can be easily suspended on the trellising wire where it is kept from any machinery or animal related damage. - Ensure consistent production year over year
Next year's crop depends on how you treat your orchard right now. Precision irrigation and fertigation guarantees healthy trees and spurs today, to boost production capacity tomorrow. - Reduce labor costs
Do it once. Do it right. Harvest the entire orchard simultaneously since precision irrigation fosters uniform flowers and fruit development. - Size does matter
Larger apples command higher prices. By irrigating and fertigating throughout the growing period, you can be sure that your apples will have exactly what they need to reach their optimal size.
KEEP YOUR TREES HAPPY
- Smaller root zones favor drip
In modern orchards, dwarfing rootstock is commonly used to create compact trees. Although these trees deliver high yields and are easier to pick, their root zones are limited. Drip irrigation delivers water precisely, ensuring that no resources are wasted. - Stress-free fruit
Water stress not only causes trees to drop fruit; it can also cause physiological disease which, in turn, reduces apple resiliency during cold storage. Don't sacrifice a portion of your yield. - Decrease humidity and prevent disease
High humidity in your apple orchard is a one-way ticket to fungal diseases like scab and mildew. Drip irrigation avoids extra moisture, ultimately reducing spraying requirements.
Things we often get asked:
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Can my apples be irrigated remotely?
Yes. Precision irrigation is easily combined with remote control and automation to make your irrigation more efficient, giving you immediate access from your cell phone, tablet or computer. Read more about digital farming.
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Why should I use drip irrigation over other irrigation methods?
With drip irrigation, you control uniform distribution of water and fertilizers, eliminating wind effects and evaporation from the soil surface. While micro-sprinklers are a common and possible option, they require more maintenance and are less water efficient.
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Can I use fertilizers in my drip system?
Yes! Not only can you use them, you can have full control over how much fertilizer you use. Through different trials and best practices from around the world, we have learned that throughout the growing period, fertilizing in small doses keeps the nutritional elements continuously available near the plant root zone. This is more effective than fertilizing in large doses during the plant growth period.
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How can I minimize frost related risks?
Frost damages both flowers and fruit, which can lead to a total yield loss. To mitigate risk, take advantage of our full frost mitigation solutions. Choose from classical total area coverage with MegaNet™ or a localized solution with the Pulsar™-GyroNet™.
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Comparing apples to apples: How much yield can I expect using drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation combined with fertigation produces yields of 40 to 90 tons/ha. There are even documented cases in South Africa, Italy and Israel which produced 120 tons/ha using drip irrigation.
Growers stories
MEET THE APPLE GROWERS USING PRECISION IRRIGATION.
Recommended solutions for apples
UniRam™
Pressure-compensated, thick-walled drip lines – designed to handle low water quality and the most difficult environments and topographies. Ideal for orchards, vineyards, greenhouses and other permanent crops.
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Aries™
Medium and thick-walled drip lines – perfect if you’re looking for durability, longevity and clog-resistance in challenging water conditions when irrigating on flat topographies. Ideal for subsurface drip, orchards, vineyards and field crops in permanent irrigation systems.
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Fertikit™ 3G
Fertikit™ 3G is a highly versatile, accurate dosing system for net houses, field crops & vegetables, and orchards, requiring minimal investment. A CE-compliant system available in 7 models, including two without a booster pump, Fertikit™ 3G is suitable for a vast range of irrigation system capacities.
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