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NETAFIM Global
Control Apple Size and Yield with Precision Irrigation
Apple production is all about controlling as many variables as possible to achieve uniform fruit size and colour as well as a longer shelf-life. With precision irrigation, you can control both irrigation and nutrition variables.
Why Choose Precision Irrigation for Apples?
- A perfect fit
Modern apple production favours high tree population. Drip irrigation distributes water evenly along narrow crop rows while keeping the surface between each row dry. - Ensure consistent production year after year
Next year's crop depends on how you treat your orchard right now. Precision irrigation and Nutrigation™ guarantees healthy trees and spurs today, to boost production capacity tomorrow. - Reduce labour costs
Do it once. Do it right. Harvest the entire orchard simultaneously as precision irrigation fosters uniform fruit development. - Size does matter
By irrigating and fertigating throughout the growing period, you can be sure that your apples will have exactly what they need to reach optimal size.
Why Drip Irrigation & Micro-Sprinklers
- Smaller root zones favour drip
In modern orchards, dwarfing rootstock is commonly used to create compact trees. Although these trees deliver high yields and are easier to pick, their root-zones are limited. Drip irrigation delivers water precisely to the root zone, ensuring that no resources are wasted, and trees are optimally irrigated. - Stress-free fruit
Stress not only causes trees to drop fruit; it can also cause physiological diseases which, in turn, reduces apple resiliency during cold storage. Don't sacrifice a portion of your yield through under or over irrigation. - Decrease humidity and prevent disease
High humidity in apple orchards is a one-way ticket to fungal diseases such as scab and mildew. Drip irrigation avoids extra moisture, ultimately reducing spraying requirements.
Apple FAQs
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Can my apple orchards be irrigated remotely?
Yes. Precision irrigation is easily combined with remote control and automation to make irrigation easier and more efficient.
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Why should I use drip irrigation over other irrigation methods?
With drip irrigation, you control uniform distribution of water and fertilisers, eliminating wind effects and evaporation from the soil surface. Micro-sprinklers are another possible option, as they are designed to help reduce water use and allow for uniform distribution of water.
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Can I use fertilisers in my drip system?
Yes. Not only can you use fertilisers, you can have full control over how much fertiliser you use. Through different trials and best practices from around the world, we have learned that fertilising in small doses throughout the growing period keeps the nutritional elements continuously available near the plant root zone. This is more effective than fertilising in large, less continuous doses.
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How can I minimise frost-related risks?
Frost damages both flowers and fruit, which can lead to a massive yield loss. To mitigate this risk, take advantage of our full frost mitigation solutions. Choose from classic total area coverage with MegaNet™ or a localised solution with GyroSA™.
Find What You Need
Get more details on our solutions
UniRam™
Pressure-compensated, heavy wall dripperlines, designed to handle low water quality and the most challenging topographies. Ideal for orchards, vineyards and other permanent crops.
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Aries™
Medium and heavy wall dripperlines – perfect if you’re looking for durability, longevity and clog-resistance in challenging water conditions when irrigating on flat topographies. Ideal for subsurface drip irrigation, orchards, vineyards and field crops in permanent irrigation systems.
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