In one of the delivered projects installed by Tierraverde, we visited the La Monita Farm, located in María Pinto, Metropolitan Region, at a 50-hectare citrus orchard with frost protection systems installed. As part of our post-sale monitoring process, we observed in-situ the protection capabilities of our Pulsator 205™ sprinklers and Pulsemax 360º with low water precipitation. Although my role as General Manager at Tierraverde allows me to observe and evaluate the functioning of our systems in real conditions, today I speak to you from my experience of more than 40 years as a Hydraulic Engineer.
Tour of the orchard: La Monita Farm
We started our tour shortly before 8 in the morning. The temperature in central Chile was below zero Celsius, but as we approached the crops, we experienced the protective effect of a minimal amount of water. The feeling of entering an environment where technology becomes a shield is indescribable. We observed how the thin layer of ice covered the leaves and fruits, acting as a shield against low temperatures. This balance between the amount of water and the formation of ice is crucial to avoid damage from oversaturation and excessive weight.
Tierraverde's technology requires so little water, in the range of 1 mm/hour, or 2.89 liters/sec/hectare, that it offers optimal protection without generating icicles, whose presence would indicate an excess of water and a loss of energy efficiency. Seeing the delicate ice layer over 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 aim to maximize protection and minimize resources.
Water control and balance
During our visit to La Monita, we emphasized the importance of controlling the amount of water precipitated. With a minimal amount of water, we managed to prevent branch breakage, 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 exclusive distributors for Latin America, ensuring a radius of 3.5 meters and optimal water quantity.
In the video, you can see various citrus fruits covered by a thin layer of ice, which provides greater resilience to the entire tree even in more adverse situations, allowing a better harvest yield at the end of the season. Nature and technology merge in a perfect dance, where each movement of the sprinkler is a choreography designed to protect and preserve.
The visit concluded by observing the thawing process. As the ice melted slowly, it showed how our system ensures a smooth transition during the day. This process is crucial to stop the application of water at the right time and avoid oversaturation. The calm after the storm, seeing how the water returns to its natural cycle without causing damage, is a testament to our dedication to perfecting 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 in such a specific way, ensuring food production and providing peace of mind to farmers, is something that fills us with joy and pride. Protecting our agriculture is protecting investments, dreams, and work; at Tierraverde, we love being part of this purpose.
Felipe Cáceres
General Manager, Tierraverde
