The first consequence of climate change in the agricultural industry is the pressing need to ensure the productivity of our crops through climate control. As weather patterns become more unpredictable and extreme, climate adaptation represents hope and resilience for producers in Chile and worldwide.
With the agricultural industry being intrinsically dependent on the climate, we are observing the frontline of impact in the face of climate change, as extreme events like prolonged droughts, sudden floods, heatwaves, and unexpected frosts challenge the limits of what was traditionally considered a "normal" growing season. These phenomena are now the new norm, and not only threaten the short-term viability of our industry but also raise critical questions about the future of food worldwide.
Climate control: the necessary response
Current climate control methods aim to enhance the resilience of orchards to variable and extreme weather. This includes everything from selecting more resilient crop varieties and water management techniques to using advanced technologies like precision agriculture, which allows for more efficient resource management based on real-time data on weather and soil conditions.
At the heart of climate control lies a powerful tool: technology, offering practical solutions that enable farmers not only to survive but also to thrive in this new environment. The most relevant in 2024 include some of these:
Climate monitoring and analysis
Climate monitoring tools and advanced sensors enable real-time data collection on environmental and soil conditions. These systems, specialized in capturing variables such as humidity, temperature, and precipitation, are fundamental for making informed decisions in the field.
Precision agriculture
Precision agriculture has become a pillar of adaptation to climate changes, using technology to apply resources efficiently and at the right time. Smart irrigation systems, which adjust water supply based on the actual demand of the crop and weather conditions, are just one example.
Predictive models and simulation
The ability to anticipate weather events and their potential impacts on agriculture is crucial for effective control. Using advanced algorithms and big data, predictive models offer detailed forecasts on weather patterns. These models not only alert about possible adversities but also suggest optimal cultivation strategies, from selecting the most resilient varieties to the ideal timing for planting and harvesting.
Climate control through low precipitation water systems
Climate control through water sprinkling is an innovative technique that has proven to be exceptionally effective in protecting crops against severe frosts and extreme temperatures. Tierraverde's water spraying solutions, designed with cutting-edge technology with high-frequency, low-flow pulsating emitters, play a crucial role in this process. By distributing fine layers of water over the crops, a protective ice layer (igloo effect) forms when temperatures drop below freezing. This ice not only insulates and protects the plant from damage caused by extreme cold but also releases latent heat during its formation, maintaining the plant's temperature at a safe threshold. This method, applied with precision thanks to Tierraverde's advanced systems, ensures that crops remain protected during adverse weather events, minimizing production loss and maintaining fruit quality.
Use of anti-frost electric towers
The use of wind towers represents another innovative strategy in climate adaptation, particularly in the fight against frosts that can devastate extensive crop areas. These towers, implemented by Tierraverde, are designed to mix the layers of air in vineyards or fruit fields, preventing the formation of stagnant cold layers near the ground that can damage or even kill young shoots and flowers. They differ from conventional petroleum or gas towers in their low operating costs, as well as in emitting no CO2 and their low noise levels.
Towards resilient and sustainable agriculture
Adaptation to climate changes also involves a shift in mindset, recognizing that sustainable and water scarcity-conscious farming practices are not only beneficial for the planet but also essential for the long-term economic viability of agriculture. The integration of irrigation practices that respect and enhance sustainability becomes the cornerstone of this resilient agriculture.
However, the transition to agriculture adapted to new climate conditions cannot rest solely on the shoulders of producers. It requires a joint effort involving governments, research institutions, companies, and end customers. Public policies that promote research in resistant crop varieties, subsidies for adaptation technologies, and the creation of markets for sustainable agricultural products are essential to facilitate this transition.
Final words
The adaptation of agriculture, and especially Chilean fruit growing to this new scenario is not merely a survival strategy; it is an opportunity to reinvent how we cultivate, how we relate to the land that sustains us, and how we cleverly ensure the growing water scarcity for future generations. Facing the challenge of climate change with innovation, science, and collective sense will allow us not only to adapt but also to thrive in a constantly changing world.
