In one of the installed projects delivered by Tierraverde, we visited the Fundo La Monita, located in María Pinto, Metropolitan Region, a 50-hectare citrus orchard with anti-frost systems installed. As part of our post-sale monitoring process, we observed in-situ the protective capabilities of our Pulsator 205™ and Pulsemax 360º low-water precipitation sprinklers. Although my role as General Manager at Tierraverde allows me to observe and assess the operation of our systems in real conditions, today I speak from my experience of over 40 years as a Hydraulic Engineer.
Tour of the orchard: Fundo La Monita
We began 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 tiny amount of water. The sensation 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 ice formation is crucial to avoid damage from oversaturation and excessive weight.
Tierraverde technology requires so little water, in the range of 1 mm/hour, or 2.89 liters/sec/hectare, offering optimal protection without forming icicles, which would indicate excess water and a loss of energy efficiency. Seeing the delicate layer of ice on the leaves, visible in the accompanying video of this publication, reaffirms the precision of our technology. Every drop counts and every second of operation aligns with our objective 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 precipitated water. With a minimal amount of water, we manage to avoid branch dislodging, 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™, for which we are the exclusive distributors in 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 thin layer of ice, which provides greater resilience to the entire tree 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 every sprinkler movement is a choreography designed to protect and preserve.
The visit concluded by observing the defrosting process. As the ice slowly melted, it showed how our system ensures a smooth transition during the day. This process is crucial to stop water application 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 so specifically, ensuring food production and providing peace of mind to farmers, is something that deeply pleases and makes us proud. Protecting our agriculture is protecting investments, dreams, and work; at Tierraverde, we love being part of this purpose.
Felipe Cáceres
General Manager, Tierraverde
