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How cooling irrigation systems benefit orchards
Managing an orchard comes with several challenges. Pest and disease control is a constant battle to protect trees and ensure high-quality fruit. Weather fluctuations, including extreme temperatures and storms, can harm tree health and productivity. Adequate water management, by balancing irrigation and drainage, is crucial for optimal growth. Nutrient management requires regular monitoring and adjustments to maintain soil fertility. Pruning and training trees for proper structure and fruit production can be labor-intensive. Harvesting and post-harvest handling demand efficiency to maximize yield and preserve fruit quality. Additionally, market fluctuations and labour availability pose ongoing challenges for orchard owners.
In recent years, heatwaves, prolonged droughts, intense storms, and unseasonal frosts have devestated orchard ecosystems.
“Considering the heat dome in 2021, the extremely cold 2022 winter and 2022’s cold, wet spring, tree fruit growers have had a wildly weather-challenging past two years,” said the BC Fruit Growers Association.
According to a University of British Columbia research team, an average orchard could lose 10% of their yield due to heat damage. “We learned that an average orchard typically loses around 10 percent of their yield in a regular year due to heat damage, causing a financial loss of almost $1,000 per acre. However, after losing up to 25 percent of their yield last year because of record high temperatures, these farmers are bracing for things to get worse,” said Matt Bagley, UBC student.
Maintaining optimal temperatures is essential for maximizing plant growth, productivity and overall plant health. Cooler temperatures can extend the growing season which provides more time for the fruits to accumulate sugars, develop taste and get larger in size. These temperatures also result in higher retention rates and ultimately increase the overall yield.
On top of improving your fruit quality and yield, cooler temperatures also create a less desirable environment for pests and diseases. Some pests and diseases thrive in hot, dry conditions. This can help minimize pest infestations and disease outbreaks, which reduces the need for chemical interventions.
A cooling irrigation system is a type of irrigation system that is designed to provide both irrigation and cooling benefits to plants, especially for orchards.
It involves the application of water in a controlled manner to create a cooling effect through evaporative cooling. These systems create a more favorable environment for apple trees and improve fruit production.
It combines irrigation and evaporative cooling techniques to reduce heat stress on the plant and enhance their overall health and productivity.
A pump or pressure system is responsible for providing the necessary water pressure to ensure proper distribution through the system. It maintains the desired flow rate and pressure required for the system to function effectively. Franklin centrifugal and submersible are common products used for pressure and pump systems.
Filters are installed within the system to remove any impurities, sediments, or debris present in the water supply. The filtration helps ensure that the water delivered to the misting nozzles or sprinklers is clean and free from potential clogging agents that could hinder their performance. Depending on your needs, a few popular filters include the Netafim Sandstorm, Netafim Screenguard and the Netafim Automatic Disc Kleen.
Valves, such as the ones made by Dorot or Irritrol, are used to control the flow of water within the cooling irrigation system. They allow for adjustments in water pressure and flow rates. Pressure regulators such as Netafim’s Planet regulator ensure consistent and optimal water pressure throughout the system.
Misting nozzles or sprinklers are the devices responsible for converting water into fine droplets or a mist, depending on the specific cooling requirements. These nozzles or sprinklers are strategically placed within the cooling area to effectively disperse water. The most common cooling irrigation product used in applications like orchards is the Nelson S7 Spinner.
BC Fruit Growers Association