During our phase of project review and analysis post season, we were able to converse with the Agrícola El Peumo team to understand in detail how our equipment has operated and what data they can provide us to continue improving our product or its logistics. Here we share a bit of what they have experienced with their avocado trees.
Fundo El Peumo, located in Puangue, Melipilla, in the Metropolitan Region of Chile, exemplifies the use of technologies to protect crops against extreme weather phenomena. This property spans 25 hectares of Hass avocado cultivation, initiated in the spring of 2021. From its inception, the estate faced harsh episodes of frost, threatening the yield and production of the trees.
Climatic challenge: Frosts in the area
The first post-planting winter, in 2022, the estate suffered severe frosts with temperatures dropping to -2 °C for several hours, causing significant damage to the crops. The absence of frost control systems resulted in a considerable impact. Although temperatures were less extreme in the following season, frosts persisted as a recurring threat, especially in the lower areas of the terrain, between 200 and 220 meters above sea level.
Solution: Frost control system
In the winter of 2023, the team implemented an irrigation-based frost control system to protect the crops. This system effectively handled temperatures of up to -2 °C for several hours, preventing damage to trees and fruits, despite the delayed development of the trees due to the initial severe frost.
The system's implementation did not require substantial modifications to the existing irrigation infrastructure. The available water flow, sourced from a canal fed by the Maipo River, allowed effective control of the 5 lowest hectares of the project, where the frost risk is highest. The system's flexibility facilitated adaptation to irrigation and frost control needs, ensuring efficient operation without operational complications.
Results and benefits
The implementation of the irrigation system allowed the estate to save much of its Hass avocado production and harvest high-quality fruit, undamaged by frost. The system protected the fruit and maintained the long-term health of the trees, ensuring their future productivity.
The case of Fundo El Peumo highlights the importance of more sustainable technological solutions to address the challenges of climate change in agriculture. The implementation of the frost control system has been fundamental in ensuring the continuity of Hass avocado production, demonstrating that proper planning and the use of appropriate technologies can mitigate climate risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of crops.
