What yield can I expect with precision irrigation?

A good, commercial yield of tomatoes with sub-surface drip irrigation and best management practices (BMP), would produce between 120 to 180 tons/ha. Other irrigation methods would yield between 80 to 100 tons/ha.

How much water can I save by switching to drip irrigation?

When compared to flood irrigation, you can save up to 30% in water and increase yields by more than 30%. For example, in California, USA studies have shown an increase in yield from 82 ton/ha to 104 ton/ha while using less water.

Can drip irrigation reduce input costs when compared to other irrigation methods?

Yes! Other systems require someone in the field to operate the irrigation process. Precision irrigation systems can be operated by pressing a button on your PC, or via your cell phone.

How much water should I use?

The amount of water is calculated by both the ETo (evapotranspiration) climate conditions and by the crop phenological stage expressed by the Kc factor (crop coefficient). The amount of irrigation (mm/day) = ETo * Kc. So, for example, if your ETo is 5.5 (mm/day) and your crop correlates to an 0.38 crop coefficient, you should irrigate: 5.5 * 0.38 = 2.09 mm/day.

Why should I choose drip rather than other irrigation methods that seem to be less expensive?

It’s not about cost, it’s about making the best investment. It’s been proven that drip irrigation increases processing tomatoes yield, while also improving Brix levels. In addition, drip technology leads to significant savings in water, fertiliser and labour. Calculations show that in the long run, drip is the most sustainable system for processing tomatoes production, delivering a higher return on investment than any other method.

What are the advantages of drip irrigation over furrow irrigation?

Drip irrigation is done throughout the entire crop cycle, as and when needed. This ensures that there are no water shortages, or stress to the crops. Furrow irrigation occurs once every 10 -14 days which creates accumulated water stress in the plant. Another benefit of drip irrigation is the ability to deliver fertilisers via the drip system. This ensures your crops will receive the right amount of fertiliser (based on the plant’s phenological development) at the right time. In comparison, furrow irrigation limits application timing, making it less effective and accurate.

PRECISION IRRIGATION FOR HIGH BRIX, YIELDS AND PROFITS IN PROCESSING TOMATOES

The quality of processing tomatoes is all about the Brix level. Many factors influence the Brix level, but water management is perhaps the most important as it has an immediate and significant impact on the Brix level.

Why choose Precision Irrigation for Processing Tomatoes?

Be in charge of the Brix level
Precision irrigation means you have the best control of the irrigation regime and can induce water stress as the fruit ripens. This drives sugars to the fruit, resulting in higher Brix levels.
Eliminate moisture stress
Eliminating moisture stress during the flowering and fruit setting stage ensures maximum yield. Drip irrigation is the only method used to water the plant root zone frequently, enabling stress-free moisture conditions to be maintained.
Balance vegetative growth and productiveness
It is important to maintain a balance between vegetative growth and productivity. Precision irrigation provides both the control and the flexibility needed to ensure that crops receive the exact amount of water and fertiliser they need.

Tomatoes South Africa - Drip Irrigation 3

Processing Tomatoes FAQs

The amount of water is calculated by both the ETo (evapotranspiration) climate conditions and by the crop phenological stage expressed by the Kc factor (crop coefficient).
The amount of irrigation (mm/day) = ETo * Kc. So, for example, if your ETo is 5.5 (mm/day) and your crop correlates to an 0.38 crop coefficient, you should irrigate: 5.5 * 0.38 = 2.09 mm/day.
It’s not about cost, it’s about making the best investment. It’s been proven that drip irrigation increases processing tomatoes yield, while also improving Brix levels. In addition, drip technology leads to significant savings in water, fertiliser and labour. Calculations show that in the long run, drip is the most sustainable system for processing tomatoes production, delivering a higher return on investment than any other method.
Drip irrigation is done throughout the entire crop cycle, as and when needed. This ensures that there are no water shortages, or stress to the crops. Furrow irrigation occurs once every 10 -14 days which creates accumulated water stress in the plant. Another benefit of drip irrigation is the ability to deliver fertilisers via the drip system. This ensures your crops will receive the right amount of fertiliser (based on the plant’s phenological development) at the right time. In comparison, furrow irrigation limits application timing, making it less effective and accurate.