About
FloraPulse
Retire the pressure chamber, know exactly when to irrigate, increase crop yield and quality.
FloraPulse began in the orchards and vineyards of growers.
Since the 1970’s, Alan Lakso, professor of Horticulture at Cornell, had been dragging around the heavy, manual pressure chamber to measure and manage water stress in apple trees and grapevines. Alan was documenting the levels of water stress and their effect on fruit growth and quality. Back then, winegrape growers understood that water stress was important to wine quality, but only had the pressure chamber to measure it.
Why FloraPulse?
Evapotranspiration California
Climate Conditions in California Affecting Evapotranspiration
In California, the diverse climate significantly influences evapotranspiration (ET) rates. The state’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, affects water loss from soil and plant surfaces. Regions like the Central Valley experience high temperatures and low humidity, increasing ET rates, whereas coastal areas with cooler temperatures and higher humidity see lower rates. The variability in precipitation across the state further complicates ET dynamics, making water management strategies crucial for agriculture.
Impact of Vegetation on Evapotranspiration in California
Vegetation type is a critical factor in determining ET rates. Dense forests in the Sierra Nevada exhibit different ET dynamics compared to agricultural lands in the Central Valley or the sparse vegetation of desert areas. In orchards and vineyards, vegetation not only influences the ET rates but also affects the local microclimate, which FloraPulse sensors help to monitor by providing accurate water potential readings directly from the plants.
Water Management Strategies Related to Evapotranspiration in California
Sustainable Irrigation Practices
With ET being a core component of water management in California, strategies such as precision irrigation are vital. FloraPulse aids growers by offering precise irrigation guidance based on real-time data. This helps in optimizing water use efficiency, crucial for regions facing water scarcity.
Evapotranspiration Rates in Different Regions of California
California’s varied geography leads to disparities in ET rates. The Central Valley, with extensive farmland, experiences higher ET rates compared to coastal regions. In contrast, the arid climates of Southern California and the Mojave Desert show lower ET rates, influencing water management tactics distinctively catered to each region’s needs.
Seasonal Variations in Evapotranspiration in California
ET rates in California fluctuate with the seasons. During the summer months, high temperatures and increased solar radiation elevate ET rates. Winter brings lower ET rates due to cooler temperatures and increased precipitation. This necessitates seasonal adjustments in irrigation practices, something that our FloraPulse system’s data-driven insights can address effectively for both orchards and vineyards.
Factors Influencing Evapotranspiration in California
- Climate variables such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
- Soil characteristics including texture and moisture content.
- Vegetation type and coverage.
- Land use patterns, including urban and agricultural development.
These factors are integral to understanding and managing ET rates, and our technology assists in providing relevant data to adapt to these variables.
Agricultural Practices and Evapotranspiration in California
Agriculture in California involves crops with varying water demands. High-value crops like almonds, grapes, and citrus are highly dependent on efficient water management practices. FloraPulse’s tailored irrigation solutions ensure that these crops receive the precise amount of water needed to maximize yield and quality, adapting to the ET demands dictated by their growing environment.
Urban Development and Evapotranspiration in California
Urbanization affects ET by replacing natural landscapes with impervious surfaces, influencing local climates and increasing runoff. In urban settings, understanding ET is crucial for developing green infrastructure and sustainable landscaping practices. These insights can also inform urban planners on how to incorporate natural elements into cityscapes to balance ET rates effectively.
Remote Sensing Methods for Monitoring Evapotranspiration in California
Advancements in remote sensing technologies have enhanced ET monitoring capabilities. Satellite data and aerial imagery provide large-scale ET assessments, complementing the precise, localized data from FloraPulse sensors. This combination of technologies offers a comprehensive understanding of water use across vast agricultural landscapes, enabling more informed decision-making.
Implications of Evapotranspiration for Water Resources Management in California
Understanding ET is central to managing California’s water resources, especially given the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity. Enhanced monitoring and management of ET can lead to improved water use efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. FloraPulse’s mission aligns with these objectives by providing innovative solutions that help optimize irrigation practices, ensuring crops receive the right amount of water to thrive in California’s diverse environments.
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How It Works
How It Works
The FloraPulse system is a microchip tensiometer (microtensiometer) that is embedded into the tree woody tissue and directly measures the water status, known as water potential. Because the measurement is taken directly inside the water-carrying tissue, readings are very accurate and reliable. You receive daily midday stem water potential readings, along with science-backed irrigation recommendations.
Weekly Reports
Receive weekly reports on your crop’s water-stress history, color-coded by stress level. Use clear, detailed data to adjust your irrigation and get that perfect vintage, that perfect yield. Every year.
Scientific Validation
The sensor data has been validated against the Scholander chamber with good correlation in prune, almond, winegrape (and others).
Technology Backers
Our technology has been funded by the NSF and USDA, and was originally developed at Cornell University.
What is FloraPulse?
The most accurate way to irrigate.
Customer Testimonials
“We were extremely happy with the FloraPulse system we tested in our prune orchard this year. We found that the FloraPulse readings correlated very well with our pressure bomb readings…
Michael Vasey
Lindauer River Ranch
Red Bluff, California
“I am very happy with the FloraPulse unit. I grow a rare mango crop, in a desert environment with extremely high summer temperatures, in alluvium soil that has very limited…
Rod Chamberlain
Wong Farms
Mecca, California