Irrigation scheduling of an almond orchard using the water balance and remote and proximal sensing
Precise irrigation scheduling is essential to optimize water use in woody crops such as almond. This four-year study evaluated an irrigation strategy based on evapotranspiration estimated using LiDAR sensors and thermography in a commercial almond orchard (cv. Lauranne). Four treatments were compared, including over-irrigation and water deficit scenarios. Results showed that irrigation matched to actual evapotranspiration maximized yield (2800 kg/ha).
Read paper →
LiDAR-based assessment of canopy size variability and its impact on irrigation efficiency and yield in almond orchards
This study quantifies the impact of tree structural heterogeneity, characterized by LiDAR, on yield prediction and water use efficiency in almond orchards. Incorporating actual tree size variability into water-yield models reveals that uniform management masks substantial efficiency losses, particularly at intermediate irrigation levels where precision irrigation gains are maximized.
Read paper →
Smart Almond: cerrando la brecha del conocimiento y la tecnología para llevar el riego de precisión al cultivo del almendro
El Grupo Operativo Smart Almond nace con la intención de hacer más sostenible y eficiente el cultivo del almendro, aprovechando las ventajas de la digitalización y el uso responsable del agua. El proyecto busca llevar la metodología de teledetección y sensores a más fincas piloto que sirvan como ejemplo para otros agricultores.
Read paper →