In the agricultural field, investing in orchards and permanent crops is like sowing seeds for long-term success. Proper planning that considers the type of crop, climate, terrain, water sources and soil data is crucial to achieving good profitability. However, one of the most common mistakes in agriculture is the excessive use of water during agricultural seasons, which affects both harvests and the profitability of the project.

"When the soil is oversaturated with liquid, it displaces essential air that contains nutrients crucial for plant growth," explains German González, Regional General Manager of Rivulis, for South America West and Central America.

In addition, the specialist warns that one of the most significant consequences of excess water is the spread of diseases and pests, which can not only damage plants, but also affect agricultural production and, therefore, farmers.

It should be noted that, according to FAO, pests can cause losses of up to 40% in agricultural production, which highlights the importance of having an adequate strategy for water use.

To optimize water use in agriculture, it is essential to have a reliable irrigation system. This system must include field preparation, system design, and the construction of adequate drainage. A good irrigation system ranges from controlling the water source to fertigation, the pipe network, and drippers for each tree. Farmers who manage these systems well see a significant impact on their profits.

Once the trees are planted, some parameters are beyond the farmer's control, such as the climate and the tree's DNA. However, other aspects, such as pruning and fertigation, can be managed to improve yields.

“Continuous monitoring of dripper uniformity and replacing them when necessary is important. Each tree is a production unit, and a reliable dripper is crucial for the delivery of water and nutrients,” says Gonzalez.

Maintaining a uniform water flow is vital for the success of the crop. There are three main methods to evaluate the uniformity of the drip line:

1. Flow Monitoring: The flow of the system is measured with a flow meter, water samples are collected from different points along the drip line and the flow of the drippers is compared with the design values ​​of the system.

2. Pressure Measurement: Using a pressure gauge, the pressure of the system can be verified. This method is visual and low cost, and allows the pressure to be checked at different points of the drip line.

3. Visual Inspection: It is important to carry out visual inspections to detect leaks, obstructions or damage in the drip line. Checking the emitter outlets and ensuring that the water is distributed evenly is essential for the proper functioning of the system.

“These methods, under the drip irrigation system that we use at Rivulis, will allow us to optimize crop production, increase the profitability of the business and, most importantly, take care of the soil and the environment,” he concluded.