Customer case study
How direct plant water-stress data can increase per-acre revenue by $700
The usual methods to determine crop water status lack accuracy and result in over/under-irrigation and lowered productivity. In contrast, direct measurements of plant water-stress to irrigate can dramatically increase field productivity.
After reading about the benefits of using a pressure chamber, our partner OLIVOS riego undertook a multi-year study in their prune orchard to see if accurate irrigation, based on direct plant water-stress, could improve their bottom line. After 8+ years irrigating by evapotranspiration data, Olivos began irrigating by direct plant water-stress data, taken near-daily by employees with the Scholander pressure chamber.
Olivos expected to see little difference; trials commonly result in trivial water savings and minor yield improvements. But the results were astounding. By irrigating according to direct plant water-stress data, Olivos saw huge benefits:
1.
Increased revenue per acre by $734.
2.
Increased overall yield by 15%.
3.
Dramatically decreased year-to-year yield variability.
4.
Eliminated fruit drop losses, from 30% to <1%.
5.
Decreased need for propane drying by 17%.
6.
Decreased irrigation by 40%.
Unfortunately, daily manual measurements with the Scholander chamber are too expensive and time-consuming for most growers. The measurements require dedicated staff to constantly drive around the field during the hottest part of the day, take measurements, tabulate them, then ensure the data is available for decision-making.
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Evapotranspiration (ET) usually over-estimates the crop’s need for irrigation and results in over-irrigation. In contract, direct plant water-stress data, acquired by the pressure chamber or FloraPulse, accurately predicts the crop irrigation needs.
The pressure chamber, though accurate, requires taking measurements manually with a heavy instrument.
Here’s the good news: the FloraPulse system provides the same data and benefits as the Schölander pressure chamber, without the hassle. Install the system in 30 minutes, and receive the best irrigation advice every day on your phone. How does an extra $700 per acre sound? You won’t know until you try it out for yourself!
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Accurate irrigation can massively improve your results... You can't afford to irrigate blindly. Get control of your irrigation. Stay ahead of the curve. Contact us for more information and a quote.
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See why FloraPulse is right for your orchard, vineyard, or scientific experiment