Innovative technologies reduce water consumption in avocado growing
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Wednesday 20 September 2023
FJ
Precision farming and sustainable resource management have already enabled avocado growers to significantly reduce their water consumption (Photo: avocadofruitoflife.com).
Demand for avocados continues to grow around the world, but the crop is often criticised for its high water consumption. Although many other food products consume far more water (beef, chocolate, coffee), the avocado industry is stepping up the adoption of innovative technologies that reduce water consumption.
Precision irrigation systems
State-of-the-art irrigation techniques deliver water directly to the roots of trees. Drip irrigation, for example, reduces water consumption by up to 50%. Water is distributed directly into the soil in the right quantities at the right time. This approach ensures that each plant receives exactly what it needs without wasting water, and minimises losses due to evaporation.
Soil moisture monitoring
Real-time soil moisture monitoring systems have become indispensable tools, providing accurate, up-to-date data that enables farmers to decide on irrigation schedules.
Rainwater harvesting
Another sustainable way of supplementing water requirements. Collected rainwater is also filtered to remove sand and foreign particles. This system gives farmers a significant degree of self-sufficiency, enabling them to maintain minimum crop watering, even in the event of water shortages.
Fertilisation systems
Fertilisation is a combination of irrigation and fertiliser application. By precisely adapting the nutrient mix to the needs of each avocado tree, this not only increases the efficiency of nutrient use, but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the risk of excess fertiliser use.
These innovative technologies have increased efficiency and have already considerably reduced water consumption over the last 7 years on the majority of WAO (World Avocado Organization) member farms.
source : avocadofruitoflife.com