In one of the projects delivered and installed by Tierraverde, we visited the La Monita Farm, located in María Pinto, Metropolitan Region, at a 50-hectare citrus orchard with anti-frost systems installed. As part of our post-sale monitoring process, we observed in-situ the protection capabilities of our Pulsator 205™ and Pulsemax 360º sprayers that operate with low water precipitation. Although my role as General Manager at Tierraverde allows me to observe and evaluate the performance of our systems under real conditions, today I speak from my experience of over 40 years as a Hydraulic Engineer.
Tour of the Orchard: La Monita Farm
We began our tour shortly before 8 a.m. The temperature in the central zone of Chile was below zero Celsius, but as we approached the crops, we experienced the protective effect of a minuscule amount of water. The sensation of entering an environment where technology becomes a shield is indescribable. We observed how the fine layer of ice covered the leaves and fruits, acting as a shield against the low temperatures. This balance between the amount of water and ice formation is crucial to avoid damage from oversaturation and excessive weight.
Tierraverde technology requires so little water, in the ranges of 1 mm/hour, or 2.89 liters/sec/hectare, that it offers optimal protection without generating icicles, whose presence would indicate excess water and a loss of energy efficiency. Seeing the delicate layer of ice on the leaves, visible in the video accompanying this publication, reaffirms the precision of our technology. Every drop counts, and every second of operation aligns with our goal of maximizing protection and minimizing resources.
Water Control and Balance
During our visit to La Monita, we emphasized the importance of controlling the amount of precipitated water. With a minimal amount of water, we managed to prevent the snapping of branches, a common problem without low-precipitation technologies. In our case, the Pulsemax 360º ensures that each tree receives the optimal amount of protection without causing damage. Pulsemax 360º, a Made in Chile component specially developed by Tierraverde, optimizes the capabilities of the Pulsator 205™, of which we are the exclusive distributors for Latin America, ensuring a radius of 3.5 meters and an optimal amount of water.
In the video, you can see various citrus fruits covered by a fine layer of ice, endowing the entire tree with greater resilience even in more adverse situations, allowing for better harvest yields at the end of the season. Nature and technology merge in a perfect dance, where each move of the sprayer is a choreography designed to protect and preserve.
The visit concluded by observing the defrosting process. As the ice slowly melted, it demonstrated how our system ensures a smooth transition during the day. This process is crucial for stopping the water application at the right moment and avoiding oversaturation. The calm after the storm, seeing how water returns to its natural cycle without causing harm, is a testament to our dedication to perfect every detail.
For natural reasons, no one likes frost or cold, but days like this fill us with satisfaction. Seeing the results of our work, studies, and designs impacting so specifically, ensuring food production and providing peace of mind to farmers is something that delights and profoundly fills us with pride. Protecting our agriculture is protecting investments, dreams, and work; at Tierraverde, we love being part of this purpose.
Felipe Cáceres
General Manager, Tierraverde
