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?
Soil Moisture Sensor California
Agriculture and Soil Moisture Sensors
As part of FloraPulse, a leader in plant-based irrigation sensors, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of integrating soil moisture sensors into agricultural practices, particularly in California. Among the many challenges facing agriculture today, effective irrigation and crop management stand at the forefront. Soil moisture sensors provide invaluable support in optimizing these processes by offering precise, real-time data that aids in making informed irrigation decisions.
Irrigation and Crop Management
In California, a region renowned for its diverse and rich agricultural production, effective irrigation is vital due to its arid climate and frequent drought conditions. By utilizing soil moisture sensors, growers can ensure their crops receive the right amount of water, reducing waste and enhancing yield quality. These sensors allow us to retire conventional methods like the pressure chamber by providing accurate midday stem water potential readings and science-backed irrigation suggestions. This precise irrigation guidance is essential for the successful management of orchards and vineyards.
California Farming Innovations
California’s agricultural sector continually adapts and evolves with technological advancements, and soil health monitoring is a critical component of this evolution. Farmers across the state are increasingly adopting agricultural technology to meet the demands of sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.
Soil Health Monitoring
Understanding soil health is instrumental in maintaining viable long-term agricultural practices. The use of soil moisture sensors helps farmers assess and monitor the soil’s water retention capabilities, highlight any inconsistencies, and facilitate necessary adjustments. This monitoring process is essential for maintaining healthy crops and soil.
Agricultural Technology
FloraPulse’s innovative approach, developed under the guidance of renowned horticulturist Alan Lakso, utilizes microchip tensiometers embedded in tree woody tissue. This technology not only measures water potential directly but also aligns well with existing data on soil moisture retention properties across various crops like prune, almond, and wine grapes.
Precision Agriculture and Data-Driven Farming
The integration of precise, data-driven strategies in farming ensures the optimal use of resources and boosts productivity. Precision agriculture, supported by the Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as soil moisture sensors, plays a pivotal role in achieving these objectives.
Data-Driven Farming
Our system provides weekly reports, offering comprehensive insights into a crop’s water stress history. This data, when analyzed, allows growers to make well-informed decisions that consistently enhance yield and quality. Precision in data collection leads to precision in farming decisions, ultimately improving both environmental and economic outcomes.
IoT Devices
The adoption of IoT devices in agriculture enables real-time data collection and monitoring. Soil moisture sensors are one such IoT solution that offers continuous tracking of moisture levels, helping farmers respond promptly to any fluctuations, thereby optimizing water usage and ensuring the health of their crops.
Adapting to Climate Change
Climate change poses significant challenges, including drought, water scarcity, and unpredictable weather patterns. In response, innovative solutions like soil moisture sensors are crucial for effective drought mitigation and water conservation strategies in agriculture.
Drought Mitigation
California’s frequent drought conditions necessitate efficient water management. By leveraging soil moisture sensors, farmers can better predict and mitigate the impacts of droughts, ensuring that their crops receive adequate hydration without unnecessary water expenditures.
Water Conservation
Water is one of agriculture’s most precious resources. Our technology provides growers with precise irrigation recommendations, significantly reducing water usage. This conservation effort not only supports environmental sustainability but also addresses the economic aspects of farming where water costs can be substantial.
Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainability in agriculture is about finding a balance between meeting today’s needs without compromising future generation’s ability to meet theirs. Environmental monitoring through technologies like soil moisture sensors plays a crucial part in achieving this balance.
Soil Moisture Tracking
By continuously tracking soil moisture, growers are equipped with the knowledge needed to maintain optimal soil conditions. Our real-time data collection and analysis provide a foundation for sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring that soil health and crop production are maintained at their highest levels.
Sustainable Agriculture Practices
FloraPulse is committed to promoting sustainable farming practices by offering solutions that optimize water usage and enhance crop resilience. Our systems empower farmers to adopt environmentally friendly methodologies that support both their economic goals and ecological responsibilities.
In conclusion, soil moisture sensors are indispensable tools in modern agriculture, particularly in areas like California where water resources are both precious and limited. At FloraPulse, we are proud to lead the way in precision irrigation management, providing growers with the technology and insights needed to thrive. Through our innovative solutions, we continue to set the standard for sustainable, productive farming practices.
Additional Resources:
Earthworks Contractors
Thompson Construction Group, one of the leading earthworks contractors in Western Canada, offers unparalleled expertise in all aspects of site development. From excavation to grading, they ensure each project is handled with the utmost professionalism and adherence to safety standards. Serving clients throughout Alberta and beyond, Thompson Construction Group is the top choice for quality earthworks services.
Gage Data Collection Software
You can rely on GreatGages for top quality gage data collection software. Our knowledgeable product assistants can help you with product selection when you reach out to us by phone. Our primary goal is to ensure you purchase the right tool the first time around- and we are committed to providing exceptional customer care. Great Gages
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