Innovation: Pulsar, a new concept of irrigation against frost
In fruit growing there are several factors to take into account to achieve good results, both in the fruit, and in the economy of the garden. The climate is one of them, which, although it can not be controlled, there are several techniques to avoid disasters in the field.
Frosts are a great enemy when they arrive in outdated times and how difficult it is to handle them, right? However, today, at Portalfruticola.com, we present a technology of Israeli origin that helps crops resist frost.
This is Pulsar, a solution that aims to combat frost through irrigation.
Andrés Boisier, development and marketing manager at Netafim, explains that Pulsar is a device that allows to deliver a coverage and protection amount equal to or better than that achieved with a standard irrigation of total coverage, but focused on coverage of localized form.
As its name says, it does so in the form of pulses, with the advantage of economizing, delivering a localized precipitation of 3 or more millimeters / hour, which will only protect the crop, eliminating the sprinkling of water on the ground without vegetable mass , and generating a lower water load in the soil.
"This technology is for any type of crop that fits the issuers that we can adapt in Pulsar, such as vineyards and fruit trees", Indicates Boisier.
Unlike a normal sprinkler, the emitter to irrigate in strips, or micro-sprinkler, Pulsar has a flow rate regulated by a button dripper, considering flow rates between 8 and 15 L / H.
How does Pulsar combat frost? This technology forms an ice cover around the fruit, preventing the temperature from falling further in case of frost.
"The effectiveness is total. We are covering the complete diameter of the tree. What it does is generate a layer of ice on top of the plant, making an igloo effect on what is inside, such as buds, fruits, leaves, etc.".
"When one irrigates against frost, it is said that a sheet of 3 millimeters (mm) must be delivered. With 3 mm of precipitation we can cover up to approximately -5 degrees."
"If we take that to full coverage, we will do it with an 200 transmitter or up to 500 liters / hour depending on the distribution. When we go to Pulsar, we work with the button dropper flow, those 3mm of water instead of distributing them over the entire surface, it is distributed only where there is a plant mass".
"What we want to do with Pulsar is not to distribute water in parts where there are no plants"He explains.
"In many cases we are delivering more than 3 mm of precipitation, therefore, we are protecting the crop better and we are saving in some cases, up to 70% of water".
Another effect offered by this technology is that, by delivering less water to the crop, it will also fall to the ground, but flooding it less and, therefore, protecting the roots.
Boisier points out that, in order to apply frost irrigation, a combination of temperature and humidity must be taken into account. You must start with the irrigation before the temperature reaches 0º C, or when the temperature goes down steadily and is reaching between 2 to 3º C. The irrigation must be in full on the farm and should only stop when the ice melts naturally.
Features
- Pressure Compensation: Exact and equal amounts of water are supplied in a wide pressure range. 100% uniformity of water distribution along the sides.
- Between 12 to 15 pulses per minute, according to the selected flow, ensure continuous irrigation in a large area during all hours of operation.
- The saturation / flooding of the soil is attenuated, even after many hours of irrigation.
- The water supply system including the pump, filtration system, pipes and fittings will be relatively smaller in size and diameters compared to other systems, with lower energy and operational costs.
Source: Portalfruticola
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