RESFOOD
RESOURCE EFFICIENT AND SAFE FOOD PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING
GA No. 308316
D2.1 Ferti-irrigation efficient management for
soil based strawberry cultivation
Deliverable No.
2.1
Deliverable Title
Dissemination level
Ferti-irrigation efficient management for soil
based strawberry cultivation
RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient
management
Public
Main Author
Name AuthorVílchez - ADESVA
Issue date
10-12-2014
Document ID
EUROPEAN COMMISSION DG Environment
SEVENTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME THEME ENVIRONMENT FP7-ENV-2012.6.3-1
RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Disclaimer and acknowledgement
This project has received funding from the European
Union's Seventh Programme for research,
technological development and demonstration under
grant agreement No 308316
Disclaimer
The FP7 project has been made possible by a financial contribution by the European
Commission under Framework Programme 7.
This document reflects the views of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the
views or policy of the European Commission. Whilst efforts have been made to ensure
the accuracy and completeness of this document, the RESFOOD consortium shall not be
liable for any errors or omissions, however caused.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Document information
Additional author(s) and contributing partners
Name
Organisation
Rafael Muñoz Duque
ADESVA
Document Distribution Log
Version
Date
Distributed to
v0.1
10/09/2014
First draft of document
v1.1
13//10/2014
Second draft, Comment by TNO
v2.0
12/11/2014
Final version, approved by Executive Board
Verification and approval
Name
Date
Verification Final Draft by WP leader
Magdalena Torres Vílchez
7/11/2014
Approval
Final
coordinator
Willy van Tongeren
10/12/2014
Deliverable
by
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Executive summary
This report aims the compilation of the data obtained during the field studies in order to
understand the influence of different irrigation tapes. All the results obtained from the
task 2.1 performed during the project are presented and discussed in order to achieve
final conclusions. The specific goal of this document is Ferti-irrigation efficient waternutrients management in conventional cultivation, in soil, to maintain the water only in
the plant’s root zone and avoid any water with nutrients leaching.
Over the course of the 2013-14 season a field trial was conducted in the experimental
plot of the ADESVA technological centre located in Lepe, Huelva (Spain). The crop
studied were strawberry (it represents one of the most valuable crops), in macrotunnel in
which a total of 3 irrigation tapes were tested (with different flow: 2.5, 3.8 y 5 l/h and
linear meter) - to be compared in real field conditions, with the goal of finding the most
suitable solution for the crop performance. The amount of fertilisers provided in this first
experiment was the same for the three theses, the only variable being the volume
supplied, so that this was the only thing that could be attributed as an influence on the
production and quality of the fruit.
Along the crop cycle, several parameters were assessed such as crop growth, crop yield
and fruit quality, but also the percentage of drainage after irrigation, as well as water
dynamics in the soil profile, for each irrigation tape. Furthermore, analyses were made of
the nutrients in the fertilizing solution, drainage, soil and leaves, so as to be able to
analyse the balance between what was supplied and what was consumed by the plants in
each of the irrigation tapes. Likewise analyses were made of the pathogens in the
drainage systems to ascertain the microbiology of the soil. Meteorological conditions were
also monitored in order to validate the results from these trials to the climatic conditions
from the region.
A soil humidity and temperature monitoring device was attached to each of the tapes, as
well as two lysimeters which allowed the volumetric water content of the soil and the
percentage of drainage obtained after irrigation to be ascertained. The irrigation times
applied to the three tapes were the same, and were controlled using the information
obtained from the soil humidity monitoring stations as well as the lysimeters. The
intermediate thesis (3.8 l/h and l.m.) was the one which established the decision on the
aforementioned irrigation times for the whole trial.
The aforementioned experiment provided the water consumption (m3/ha) and fertilizing
units (kg/ha) for each of the theses. Moreover, the yield and fruit quality were followed
according to the needs of the crop, measuring the following parameters: precocious
production, 1st category production, 2nd category production, total production, average
fruit weight, plant vigour, firmness and ºBrix of the fruit.
The results indicated that there were no significant statistical differences, at a confidence
level of 95%, between the three irrigation tapes in any of the analysed parameters
during the season of strawberry cultivation.
There were differences in the vigour of the plant which was greater in the 5 l/h tape,
although this had no positive effect on either the yield or quality of the fruit.
Thus the tape achieving the greatest irrigation efficiency, with the best use of water
and nutrients by the plant, was the 2.5 l/h and l.m. tape, representing a saving of 34%
and 50% compared to the 3.8 l/h and l.m. and 5 l/h and l.m. respectively.
The continuous sampling of the drainage volume of the irrigation via the lysimeters gave
average values of 28%, 60% and 68% drainage for the 2.5, 3.8 and 5 l/h and l.m. tapes
respectively. This means that the most environmentally sustainable strategy is the
2.5 l/h and l.m. tape, which reduces water and nutrient losses from leaching by up to
80%, thus considerably minimising contamination of the soil and underground and
surface water.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Table of Contents
Disclaimer and acknowledgement ............................................................................ 2
Document information............................................................................................ 3
Executive summary ............................................................................................... 4
Table of Contents .................................................................................................. 5
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Background RESFOOD ...................................................................................... 7
1.2 Purpose of the document ............................................................................... 8
1.3 Deviations from original DoW ......................................................................... 8
1.3.1 Description of work related to deliverable as given in DoW ........................... 8
1.3.2 Time deviations from original DoW ............................................................ 9
1.3.3 Content deviations from original DoW ........................................................ 9
2. Material and methods ........................................................................................10
2.1. Design of trial .............................................................................................10
2.2 Climatic conditions .......................................................................................11
2.3 Crop preparation ..........................................................................................11
2.4 Crop growing ...............................................................................................13
2.4.1 Monitoring of the crop development .........................................................14
2.4.2 Soil temperature and humidity monitoring.................................................15
2.4.3 Drain monitoring (lysimeter) ...................................................................16
2.4.4 Monitoring irrigation ...............................................................................19
2.4.5 Water consumption ................................................................................19
2.4.6 Fertilization monitoring ...........................................................................19
2.4.7 Analysis of nutrients ...............................................................................19
2.5 Crop harvesting ...........................................................................................20
2.5.1 Fruit harvesting .....................................................................................20
2.5.2 Monitoring of characteristics associated with production ..............................21
2.5.3 Assessment of fruit quality ......................................................................21
3. Monitoring results for soil strawberry tests ...........................................................23
3.1 Meteorological conditions ..............................................................................23
3.2 Crop growing ...............................................................................................23
3.2.1 Monitoring of the crop development .........................................................23
3.2.2 Soil temperature and humidity monitoring.................................................24
3.2.3 Drain monitoring (lysimeter) ...................................................................25
3.2.4 Irrigation monitoring ..............................................................................26
3.2.5
Fertilization monitoring .......................................................................27
3.2.6 Analysis of nutrients ...............................................................................27
3.2.7 Analysis of pathogens .............................................................................27
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
3.3 Crop harvesting ...........................................................................................28
3.3.1 Monitoring of characteristics associated with production ..............................28
3.3.2 Assessment of fruit quality ......................................................................33
4. Conclusions and recommendations......................................................................37
5. References .......................................................................................................38
Annex A- Meteorological conditions in Lepe – Huelva- Spain ......................................39
Annex B - Strawberry field layout for the 1st cycle in ADESVA (Spain). .......................41
Annex C - Strawberry trial location in the farm. ADESVA (Spain) ................................43
Annex D – Irrigation pH and electrical conductivity evolution .....................................44
Annex E – Drainage pH and electrical conductivity evolution ......................................45
Annex F – Dynamics of irrigation water in the soil profile, for the three irrigation tapes .47
Annex G – Soil temperature for the three irrigation tapes ..........................................50
Annex H – Analysis of nutrients ..............................................................................52
Annex I – Analysis of pathogens in the drainage water of the lysimeters .....................56
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
1. Introduction
1.1 Background RESFOOD
RESFOOD addresses the most important topics in the food chain towards resource
efficient and safe food production and processing, leading to maximised resource
productivity and recycling and re-use of valuable materials by research and
demonstration of the proposed green solutions: Increased output with reduced input.
Many natural resources (e.g. minerals, water, soil, biomass, land and fuels (energy) are
used to grow and process food products, but in many cases their usage is highly
inefficient, due to the lack of technological solutions and knowledge in combination with
uncertainties about health and safety issues. Another important challenge in the food
chain management is the large amount of wasted food. RESFOOD will overcome the main
bottlenecks and barriers leading to an Resource Efficient Food Chain by:



Developing innovative technologies for re-use of Nutrients, Energy, Water and
Biomass, reducing input, maximizing resource productivity and minimizing waste
Develop new methods for improving the disinfection processes for vegetables
ensuring appropriate monitoring of health and safety risks.
Validate the solutions in five on site pilot demonstrations, also including Life Cycle
Assessment
In the RESFOOD resource efficiency concept the focus is a cascade approach: Look first
for the most efficient solutions with the lowest effort, like direct re-use of warm and cold
water (and energy) nutrients and biomass, followed by more complex solutions like
withdrawal of useful products and energy from the water and the recovery of high
valuable components from food waste (biomass).
This will lead to 30 to 75 % reduction of water, energy and nutrients use, 25 to 80 %
less emissions to surface and ground water, 20-30 % reduction of the use of fertilizer
products and overall 20 to 30 % more crop per resource input, combined with better
controlling and reducing food health and safety risks.
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1.2 Purpose of the document
In this report the results of the soil field test in strawberries are described. The effects of
the different parameters are described as well as the optimal conditions for application of
the field test.
1.3 Deviations from original DoW
1.3.1 Description of work related to deliverable as given in DoW
Introduction
This WP developed new technologies for increasing the water use efficiencies in different
food crops like:
a) fruit crops as strawberries (Europe is the second world producer of this fruits only
after US), raspberries and blackberries, these crops are mainly soil based with just few
farms with open soilless culture: research conducted in Spain (Adesva / TNO)
b) vegetables as tomatoes and cucumbers, crops that are already soilless cultivated:
research conducted in the Netherlands (Demokwekerij / TNO).
The following types of research-activities were coupled:
-
-
Soil based crops: Water-use efficiency: Establish an efficient fertirrigation and
for the cultivation of strawberries without any reduction in yield or quality of fruits
Soilless cultivation: Water and nutrient recovery and re-use by investigating
and developing new water treatment technology for closing water- and nutrient
cycles
All types of crops:
 Water disinfection technologies for the major fungal pathogens
(Phytophthora and Verticillium)and new sustainable methods such as the
use of microbial antagonists for suppressing plant diseases
 Environment impact: Evaluation of the reduction of contamination due to
pollutants released with over-abundant irrigation compared to the new
developed and tested technology concepts (using measurements, mass
balances etc.).
And this study also addresses thereby a shift in moving from ground based crops towards
soiless cultivation (substrate based and hydroponics) making horticulture more
sustainable in resource and water efficiency.
TASK 2.1. Fertirrigation efficient management for soil strawberry cultivation
(Adesva, TNO) (months June - June).
For soil based crops, optimization of water and nutrient resources by monitoring and
control (management) can significantly increase efficiency. This study aims to improve
the water-use efficiency in conventional culture. Adesva developed three different new
watering strategies. The objective is to maintain the water only in the plant’s root zone
so as to create a continuous wet bulb and avoid any nutrients or water loss to deeper
layers.
For the field test, wet sensors were placed at different depths, so as to analysis the
volumetric soil water content and to know the water circulation pattern. Adesva will
determine with the use of lysimeters the volume of water that drains into deeper layers
and it is not consumed by the plants.
This study compared the earliness and yield of the plants and fruit quality (Brix and Fruit
firmness).
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Task 2.1.1 Crop preparation
In this task the soil for field tests was prepared and the crop established following good
agriculture practices for the crop and region. Activities include soil bedding, irrigation
system coupling, greenhouse protections, and mulch film positioning. This task will be
performed in the beginning of crop cycle.
Task 2.1.2 – Crop growing and harvesting
The activities in this task include the plantation, growing and harvesting of the plants
according to conventional procedures.
Task 2.1.3. Test monitoring.
-
Climate data monitoring and acquisition
During the trials, air temperature and relative humidity were monitored from the
nearest meteorological station to the test sites.
-
Soil data monitoring and acquisition
Soil temperature and humidity were monitored at a defined depth, using soil probes
placed along the trials. The collected data was stored in specific data acquisition
equipment for later analysis.
-
Crop yield monitoring and evaluation
Crop performance was evaluated by: earliness, mean fruit mass, total and marketable
yield.
-
Crop quality monitoring and evaluation
This task was conducted to evaluate the effect of different irrigation tapes on crop
quality. Fruits were sampled at harvest to determine: solid soluble content (ºBrix) and
firmness.
-
Drainage water monitoring
Volume of drainage water was measured and also was analysed pathogens and
nutrients
Responsible partners: Leader: Adesva
1.3.2 Time deviations from original DoW
There are no time deviations from the original DoW.
1.3.3 Content deviations from original DoW
In task 2.1.3 the pathogens from water drainage obtained from the lysimeters have been
analysed by CNTA.
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2. Material and methods
The Spanish field trials were located in the south-western province of Huelva (Andalucía),
in ADESVA experimental station, located in LEPE (37°17' N, 7°14' W, altitude 38 m),
during the season 2013-14. The area of the experimental farm is 2 ha.
2.1. Design of trial
The experimental design is of randomized complete blocks with 3 variants and 3
replicates. The size of the elemental unit is 25 plants per elemental unit. The theses
tested are the following:
Table 2-1 Trial thesis
THESIS
IRRIGATION TAPE FLOW
T1
2.5 l/h and l.m.
T2
3.8 l/h and l.m.
T3 (control)
5.0 l/h and l.m.
The three irrigation tapes have the same characteristics and different momentary flows.
In the province of Huelva (world leader in the production and export of fresh
strawberries, and second only to California in this field as a centre of production,
technology and research) the irrigation tape used most in strawberry cultivation is the 5
l/h and l.m., which is why it was decided to try out two momentary flows below the
conventional one and study their influence on fruit yield and quality.
In previous experience in the province of Huelva, a tape with less flow (2.5 l/h) produced
numerous problems with clogged drip feeds. This trial therefore aims at using better
management knowledge and minimising this limiting factor as far as possible, so that if
good results are obtained in terms of productivity and fruit quality, this might be an
alternative that is more efficient and more environmentally sustainable.
All the samplings involved statistical analyses of the variance in field data. These original
data are subjected to the Bartlett test for homogeneity of variance if the distribution of
the data is normal or Levene’s test if the distribution is not normal.
If the distribution is normal, the data will be submitted to the ANOVA test for separation
of means to obtain the significant differences between variables, and if the distribution is
not normal the data will be submitted to Mood’s median test.
The statistical program used was MINITAB.
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2.2 Climatic conditions
Regarding the climatic conditions, the following parameters were assessed in Spain:
•
•
•
•
Solar radiation
Rain fall
Air temperature
Air relative humidity
Figure 2-1 Meteorological station and devices. Lepe (Spain)
2.3 Crop preparation
The preparation activities were:
•
•
•
Preparing the soil (pass subsoiler, cultivator and disc harrow). Beds
construction
Mulches layout
Plantation
a
b
c
d
Figure 2-2 a. and b. Land preparation c. Mulch film layout d. Planting
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The land was prepared on 22-08-2013, the beds laid out on 01-09-2013, the land
disinfected on 06-09-2013 and the date of planting was 17-10-2013.
The orography of the land is flat and the soil composition is sandy loam. Irrigation is by
means of a drip feed system.
Strawberry varieties used were: “Candonga”. After make the beds and placed mulching
films, it preceded soil disinfection through irrigation using TRIPICRIN product (151.9 %
chloropicrin) (EQUIV. a 94.1% P/P) [EC] P/V). Dose: 20-22 g/l.m. (450 kg/ha).
The films were laid down by machine over the bed in the row. As the machine
progressed, it buried the edges of the films in the soil (about 15 cm per side), resulting in
a 50 cm wide film strip covering the soil surface.
The pattern for the plantation was 1.10 m between beds and 0.25 m between plants. The
plantation density was 56,000 plants per hectare.
The orientation of the beds was N/S.
Strawberries are usually cultivated on beds of approximately 50 cm in width, separated
from each other by a further 50-60 cm, and approximately 40 metres long. The
strawberry plants are arranged in two parallel lines along the length of the whole ridge at
some 25 cm intervals from each other.
The trial was conducted in 9 macrotunnels (3 macrotunnels for each type of irrigation
tape). The total area of the trial was 2,380 m2.
Each thesis had an independent irrigation sector (sector no. 8: 2.5 l/h, sector no. 9: 3.8
l/h and sector no. 10: 5 l/h). See Figure B-1 (Annex B).
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PERIMETER
(Before bending) 8.0 m
2.40 m
WIDTH 6.60 m
WIDTH 1.20 m
WIDTH 0.5 m
Figure 2-3 Dimensions of the macrotunel.
2.4 Crop growing
Crop growing was carried out by the ADESVA technicians in trials conducted in the
experimental plot. After all the activities for the crop establishment, ADESVA had defined
a methodology and followed the crop development over time. The assessment was done
periodically, to observe the crop development.
Crop growing activities:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Monitoring of the crop development
Soil temperature and humidity monitoring
Drains monitoring (lysimeter)
Irrigation monitoring
Water consumption
Fertilization monitoring
Analysis of nutrients
Analysis of pathogens
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
a
b
c
Figure 2-4 Strawberry crop development 3 months after plantation. a. 2.5 l/h b.
3.8 l/h c. 5 l/h
2.4.1 Monitoring of the crop development
Over the course of the season the following parameters were analysed:
Survival of plants: Three samplings were undertaken counting the number of dead
(failed) plants per elemental unit.
Precocity: A sampling was done of the number of plants with more than one flower open
in 25 plants per elemental unit.
Furthermore, a weekly monitoring of pests and diseases took place to ascertain the
development of the latter and determine the appropriate preventative or curative
treatments.
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2.4.2 Soil temperature and humidity monitoring
To ascertain the temperature, volumetric content as well as the dynamics of the water in
the soil, a monitoring station was installed for each of the theses or irrigation tapes.
Each station consisted of:
-
3 humidity probes (located at 10, 20 and 30 cm depth respectively)
-
1 temperature probe
-
1 caudalimeter
Measurements were obtained continuously and in real time, permitting irrigation
management based on this information.
Figure 2-5 Components of the soil humidity and temperature monitoring station
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
a
b
Figure 2-6 a. Caudalimeter b. Data logger
2.4.3 Drain monitoring (lysimeter)
On 17 October 2013 the lysimeters were placed in the ground. Two lysimeters per thesis
were installed (2.5, 3.8 and 5 l/h).
Fertilization monitoring
Figure 2-7 Dimensions of the lysimeter
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a
b
Figure 2-8 Lysimeter a. Access path for drainage extraction b. Placing of
lysimeter in bed
a
b
Figure 2-9 a. Reconstruction of bed and placing of plastic b. Final disposition of
lysimeter
The lysimeters have an effective length of 1 m, so that in the case of the 3.8 and 5 l/h
tapes, which have a 20 cm interval between drips, each lysimeter contains 5 drips. In
contrast, the 2.5 l/h tape has an interval of 30 cm between outlets, meaning there are
three drips per lysimeter.
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a
b
c
Figure 2-10 Disposition of irrigation tapes a. 2.5 l/h b. 3.8 l/h c. 5 l/h
The lysimeters were evacuated according to the irrigation plan, climatology and plant
activity. Extraction of the leachate started effectively from 13 November 2013 and was
done with the aid of a manual evacuation pump.
The pH, EC and volume of the leachate obtained were measured. With this volume, and
knowing the irrigation supplied from the previous extraction to the present one, the
percentage of drainage in the monitored period was obtained. At the end of the season
the evolution of the three measured parameters had been obtained. The information on
the percentage of drainage was one more tool when determining the irrigation plan.
a
b
Figure 2-11 a. Evacuation pump b. Extraction of accumulated drainage
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2.4.4 Monitoring irrigation
The pH and EC of the supplied irrigation water was monitored daily, so as to ascertain
whether in effect the values calculated were being achieved in the designed fertilizing
solution according to the phenological state of the plant. To this end, a receptacle was
placed at the beginning of the greenhouse to collect a sample of the irrigation water.
There was a monitoring point for each of the irrigation tapes (2.5, 3.8 and 5 l/h).
Irrigation was managed by means of data from the Lepe meteorological station as well as
taking into account the information obtained daily from the soil humidity and drainage
percentage monitoring stations.
2.4.5 Water consumption
This check was made weekly, and the readings from the meters installed in each of the
three irrigation sectors were noted. At the same time a theoretical calculation of water
consumption was made based on the irrigation plan and the flow of the tapes.
2.4.6 Fertilization monitoring
Over the course of the season a fertilization solution was designed for each of the
phenological states of the strawberry plants, taking into account the irrigation water
supply used. The total fertilizing units supplied by hectare were checked.
2.4.7 Analysis of nutrients
An accredited external laboratory carried out analyses of nutrients in:

Water: 1 sampling to enable the designing of the initial “fertilizing solution”.

Soil in saturated extract: 3 samplings at 2 depths (15 and 30 cm) for each of
the irrigation tapes (2.5 l/h, 3.8 l/h, 5 l/h). The samples were taken before the
next irrigation.

Fertilizing solution: 3 samplings taken directly from a drip for each of the
irrigation tapes (2.5 l/h, 3.8 l/h, 5 l/h).

Drainage: 3 samplings taken from the drainage obtained in the lysimeters after
the irrigations for each of the irrigation tapes (2.5 l/h, 3.8 l/h, 5 l/h).

Foliar: 1 sampling for each of the irrigation tapes (2.5 l/h, 3.8 l/h, 5 l/h) in the
month of April so as to ascertain the nutritional level of the plants, and thus
adjust the fertilizing solution to put them in the best conditions in their last month
of production.
Table 2-2 Timeline of nutrient analyses
Dates
Water
of
irrigating
communities
Soil
Fertilizing
solution
Drainage
10-01-14
x
x
x
x
12-03-14
x
x
x
23-04-14
x
x
x
30-04-14
Foliar
x
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2.4.8 Analysis of pathogens
The analyses of pathogens were carried out by CNTA. Samples were taken of:

Water: 2 samplings in the last month of the season.

Drainage: 5 samplings taken from the drainage obtained in the lysimeters after
the irrigations for each of the irrigation tapes (2.5 l/h, 3.8 l/h, 5 l/h).
Table 2-3 Timeline of pathogen analyses
Dates
Drainages
Water
of
communities
13-01-14
x
10-02-14
x
23-04-14
x
14-05-14
x
x
27-05-14
x
x
irrigating
2.5 Crop harvesting
Crop Harvesting activities:
•
Fruit harvesting
•
Monitoring of characteristics associated with production
•
Assessment of fruit quality
2.5.1 Fruit harvesting
Harvesting began in January and finished on 31 May 2014. It was done following
commercial criteria as well as being imposed by climatic conditions. Initially harvesting
was once a week, while during the middle and end of the season passes were made
every other day.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
a
b
Figure 2-12 a. Strawberry harvest b. Classified fruit 1st category
2.5.2 Monitoring of characteristics associated with production
Vigour of the plant: 3 samplings were done by measuring the transversal diameter
(measured on the perpendicular of the axis of the bed) of the aerial part of 6 plants per
elemental unit (3 of each of the plantation lines), situated at equal distances from each
other.
Cumulative production: Separated by 1st and 2nd commercial categories, expressed in
grammes/plant by means of the harvest over the course of the cultivation cycle, of all
the plants installed per elemental unit. Precocious production was also obtained
(considered until 31 March).
Average weight of fruit: 6 samplings were done by means of the weight in grammes of
20 1st category fruits per elemental unit taken at random.
2.5.3 Assessment of fruit quality
Firmness of the fruit: 5 samplings were done, taking 5 fruits of similar colour per
elemental unit, the firmness of these being measured by means of equatorial puncturing
of the sample with a penetrometer (1-500 gr) equipped with a striker and expressed in
grammes of pressure to break the skin of the fruit. Two punctures were made at the
equatorial diameter level of each fruit.
Brix degrees (soluble solids content): 5 samplings were done, taking 3 fruits per
elemental unit, of the 5 fruits previously used for firmness. The presence of dissolved
solids was evaluated by means of a refractometric method to determine indirectly the
sugar concentration by measuring the refraction index (n).
The value of n is related to Brix degrees by the following formulae in the range of 15-25
ºBrix:
n = (0.00166 x ºBrix) + 1.33063
ºBrix = (600.90502 x n) – 799.58215
The determinations were made at a temperature of 20 ºC.
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a
b
Figure 2-13 a. Penetrometer b. Refractometer
Table 2-4 Timeline of samplings
December
No. Plants
02/12/2013
Precocity
16/12/2013
Vigor
Production
Average weight fruit
ºBrix
Firmness
January
February
x
27/02/2014
x
March
31/03/2014
April
May
June
02/06/2014
31/03/2014
02/05/2014
x
x
x
10 y 26/03/2014 15 y 25/04/2014 09 y 19/05/2014
24/02/2014 14/03/2014 03 y 15/04/2014 16/05/2014
24/02/2014 14/03/2014 03 y 15/04/2014 16/05/2014
X: In the case of “production”, these will be all the harvesting days over the course of the
month, according to commercial criteria and climatic conditions.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
3. Monitoring results for soil strawberry tests
3.1 Meteorological conditions
Due to its geographical position, the province of Huelva has a continental Mediterranean
climate with Atlantic influences. The humid and mild mountain climate mitigates the high
temperatures in summer and the low ones of winter. The average precipitation is some
500 mm per year. The season registering the most rain is the end of autumn and winter.
From the collected data of air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and rainfall,
from 2013 until May of 2014, it was possible to conclude that the year of our field trial
were typical (Annex A Meteorological conditions in Lepe-Huelva-Spain) relatively to the
eleven years series.
The climatic conditions of the 2013-14 season in the province of Huelva were favourable,
which has had a positive effect on the quality of the fruit. In general there has been no
excess of humidity which might favour fungal diseases.
3.2 Crop growing
Crop growing activities:
• Monitoring of the crop development
• Soil temperature and humidity monitoring
• Drains monitoring (lysimeter)
• Irrigation monitoring
• Water consumption
• Fertilization monitoring
• Analysis of nutrients
• Analysis of pathogens
3.2.1 Monitoring of the crop development
Survival of plants:
The trial started with 25 plants per elemental unit and after 3 counts carried out over the
course of the study it was observed that no plants had died in the three replications in
each of the theses, so that there are no differences in the survival of plants between the
three irrigation tapes.
Since none of the plants died nor showed visible symptoms of any disease, the
pathogens of the plants were not analysed during the season nor at its end.
Precocity of plants:
In the only sampling done on 2 December 2013, there was no plant with more than one
flower open in any of the replications of the three irrigation tapes tested, so there was no
difference in precocity.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
3.2.2 Soil temperature and humidity monitoring
The greater the discharge of the irrigation tape per linear metre, the higher the humidity
measured in the soil. Thus the humidity in the 10 and 30 cm profiles followed the
following order according to type of tape, 5 l/h > 3.8 l/h > 2.5 l/h. In contrast, in the
intermediate profile (20 cm) less humidity was found with the 3.8 l/h tape than with 2.5
l/h (5 l/h > 2,5 l/h > 3,8 l/h).
The 2.5 l/h thesis was more influenced by different factors such as climatology and
irrigation plan, showing a greater reaction to the changes undergone. See Annex F –
Dynamic of irrigation water in the soil profile, for the three irrigation tapes.
Table 3-1 Average soil WVC (%) in soil strawberry
Irrigation
tape
modality
Water volumetric content-WVC (%)
10 cm
20 cm
35 cm
Average
2.5 l/h
14.19
17.32
14.95
15.49
3.8 l/h
19.23
15.12
16.97
17.11
5 l/h
21.39
19.11
17.75
19.42
Over the course of the season the temperature of the soil showed an identical trend with
the three irrigation tapes, although the intermediate thesis(3.8 l/h) showed lower values
compared to the other variants.
Table 3-2 Temperature in soil strawberry
Temp
2.5 l/h
3.8 l/h
5 l/h
Minimum
10.81
8.18
10.49
Maximum
27.24
21.24
25.27
Average
17.99
14.06
17.24
Oscillation
16.43
13.06
14.78
The 2.5 l/h and 5 l/h tapes achieved a very similar overall average (17.99 and 17.24 ºC
respectively). For its part, the 3.8 l/h thesis showed an average around 3 ºC below the
other theses.
In May the 2.5 l/h tape experienced a greater increase in soil temperature than the other
tapes.
The greatest temperature swing (16.43 ºC) occurred in the 2.5 l/h thesis, the same as
occurred with the maximums recorded (27.24 ºC). In contrast, the minimum
temperatures were obtained in the 3.8 l/h thesis (8.18 ºC). See Annex G – Soil
temperature for the three irrigation tapes.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
3.2.3 Drain monitoring (lysimeter)
The average percentages of drainages measured over the course of the season are
shown in Table 3-3. The lowest value was observed in the tape with least flow, with a
difference of some 32 and 40 percentage points compared to the 3.8 and 5 l/h tapes
respectively, which entails an important reduction in loss of water and fertilizers through
leaching towards deeper layers, representing between 70% and 80% respectively. See
Annex E – Graph E-1 Evolution of drainages.
Table 3-3 Average percentage of drains in soil strawberry
Lysimeter
Average % of
drains
2.5 l/h
28.05
3.8 l/h
60.56
5 l/h
68.29
Table 3-4 Average of pH and electrical conductivity of drains
Lysimeter
pH
Electrical
conductivity
(µS/cm)
2.5 l/h
7.2
1069
3.8 l/h
7.0
920
5 l/h
7.0
630
The average pH values obtained from the drainages of the lysimeters over the course of
the whole season were very similar in all three irrigation tapes.
With regard to electrical conductivities we obtained lower values for the tape with least
flow and higher values for those with higher flows, which was foreseeable since the
objective aimed at was that the supply of fertilizers should be the same for the three
irrigation tapes and that the only variable to take into account in the study should be the
volume of water supplied. Different proportions of fertilizing were therefore programmed
for each thesis, with a higher velocity of injection being applied in the tape with the
lowest flow (2.5 l/h) and a lower injection velocity in the irrigation tape with the highest
flow (5 l/h), so that ultimately the quantity of fertilizer applied to each thesis should be
the same. See Annex E – Graph E-2 Drainage pH evolution and Graph E-3 Drainage
electrical conductivity evolution.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
3.2.4 Irrigation monitoring
Table 3-5 pH and electrical conductivity from the irrigation
Irrigation
tape
pH
Electrical
conductivity
(µS/cm)
2.5 l/h
6.0
1044
3.8 l/h
6.1
917
5 l/h
6.3
739
The evolution of the pH and electrical conductivity in the irrigation water follows the
same pattern of behaviour as in the case of the drainages measured in the lysimeters.
See Annex D – Graph D-1 Irrigation pH evolution and Graph D-2 Irrigation electrical
conductivity evolution.
Water and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) consumption:
The water consumption with the 2.5 l/h irrigation tape meant a saving of 34% and 48%
compared to the 3.8 l/h and 5 l/h tapes respectively. And the 3.8 l/h tape represents a
water saving of 20% compared to that of 5 l/h.
Table 3-6 Total water and H2O2 consumption
Irrigation
tape
Water
consumption
(m3/ha)
H2O2
consumption
(kg/ha)
2.5 l/h
2970
44.5
3.8 l/h
4513
67.7
5 l/h
5665
84.9
On the farms in the province of Huelva many problems of clogged drip feeds are
appearing, fundamentally of organic origin, caused by biological agents (algae, bacteria,
fungi, yeasts, viruses and spores), meaning it is becoming necessary to carry out
preventive treatments with biocides to break up the organic material and prevent the
formation of “biofilm”.
In the trial H2O2 was continuously applied to the irrigation at maintenance dosage (30
mg/l) throughout the season. Logically there was a higher consumption of hydrogen
peroxide in the tape with the highest flow.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
3.2.5 Fertilization monitoring
The total fertilizer units supplied to the cultivation over the course of the whole study for
the three irrigation tapes were the following:
Table 3-7 Fertilizer units
Fertilizer units per hectare
N
P2O5
K2O
OCa
OMg
355
130
441
379
123
3.2.6 Analysis of nutrients
From the results of the analyses the following may be concluded:
1st analysis:
The proportion of nutrient concentration in the fertilizing solutions sampled for each of
the irrigation tapes was the correct one. Likewise, on applying a higher concentration of
elements in the 2.5 l/h tape, the results in the drainage also show higher concentration
data. The values obtained in the soil and drainage in the three theses are low, which
might indicate that the supply of fertilizers in this first period of cultivation was the right
one for the necessities of the plant, as no loss of nutrients through leaching was
apparent.
2nd analysis:
The values reached in general are low for the evaluated period, and no clear
differentiator could be determined between the three irrigation tapes. However, in the
3.8 l/h drainage a higher electrical conductivity (EC) was recorded, which might be a
reflection of the nitrate and calcium found. The nutrient concentration in the soils was
low, as it was in the drainage, which is an indication that the plants made good use of
what they were supplied with, as in the previous period.
3rd analysis:
In the third sampling low values were obtained in the soil profile and medium high values
in the drainage, meaning that associated with the drainage percentages achieved, it can
be said that in both the 3.8 and 5 l/h the irrigation supply may have been higher than it
ought. In the soil high phosphorous values were obtained in the profile (contrary to what
happened with the other elements), which indicates that for the next season less of the
said element should probably be supplied in this phase of the cultivation.
4th analysis:
The foliar analysis showed a deficiency in trace elements (zinc and copper). See Annex H
– Analysis of nutrients.
3.2.7 Analysis of pathogens
The results of the pathogen analyses of the drainage waters indicate that in most of the
samplings and principally at the end of the season, the content of aerobic mesophic
bacterium, coliforms, moulds, yeasts and pseudomonads spp. reached with the tape with
the lowest flow (2.5 l/h) was from one to three cycles higher than that obtained with the
tapes with higher flows. Only in the sampling carried out in February was a content of
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
moulds, pseudomonads and yeast obtained with the 3.8 l/h and 5 l/h tapes that was 1 to
3 cycles higher than that obtained with the tape with least flow.
See Table I-1 Analysis of pathogens in the drainage water of the lysimeters.
3.3 Crop harvesting
3.3.1 Monitoring of characteristics associated with production
Vigour of the plants:
Following the statistical analysis that was carried out, it was concluded that there were
no significant statistical differences, at a confidence level of 95%, between the 2.5 and
3.8 l/h, although there were differences in the vigour of the plants, between the latter
and the tape with the highest flow (5 l/h) where it was greater in the latter, especially in
the last sampling carried out. Even so, this greater vigour was not translated into a
higher crop yield.
Vigour of the plants - Soil strawberry
Transverse Diameter (cm)
40,00
35,00
30,00
25,00
20,00
15,00
10,00
5,00
0,00
27/02/2014
31/03/2014
02/05/2014
2,5 l/h
24,83
26,86
32,08
3,8 l/h
24,56
27,67
33,00
5 l/h
26,06
27,22
36,06
Graph 3-1 Vigour of plants by sampling
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Vigour of the plants - Soil strawberry (average of 3
samplings)
2,5 l/h
27,93
3,8l/h
5 l/h
28,41
29,78
Diameter of the plants (cm)
Graph 3-2 Vigour of plants (average of three samplings)
Cumulative production:
This considers the 1st and 2nd commercial categories, by means of the harvest over the
course of the cultivation cycle, of all the plants per elemental unit. The production of the
first corresponds to non-deformed fruit, and the production of the second to deformed or
smaller-sized fruit. Furthermore it calculates total production in grammes per plant and
precocious production accumulated up to 31 March.
Early production:
Production obtained from the start of the season up to 31 March is a parameter of great
economic importance, due to the higher price it attains in the marketplace. The statistical
study found no significant statistical differences between the three irrigation strips in the
trial.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Early Production - Soil strawberry
2,5 l/h
475,13
3,8 l/h
5 l/h
462,30
458,43
g/plant
Graph 3-3 Precocious production
1st category production:
The two tapes with higher flow produced somewhat higher values, but even so there
were no differences between the three theses.
Production of 1st category
- Soil strawberry
2,5 l/h
854,64
3,8 l/h
924,28
5 l/h
935,65
g/plant
Graph 3-4 1st category production
2nd category production:
The statistical analyses revealed that there were no statistical differences in 2 nd category
production between any of the three irrigation tapes studied.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Production of 2nd category
- Soil strawberry
2,5 l/h
217,96
3,8 l/h
5 l/h
215,33
213,98
g/plant
Graph 3-5 2nd category production
Total production:
The total production is the sum of production in grammes of first and second category
over the course of the whole season.
It was seen that the tape which produces the least total production is the 2.5 l/h tape,
with a difference of 66 g per plant compared to the 3.8 l/h tape and 78 g per plant
compared to the 5 l/h tape. There were no significant statistical differences, at a
confidence level of 95%, in total production between the three irrigation tapes in the
study.
As can be seen from Graphic 3-7, the three theses had a very similar evolution over the
course of the whole season.
Total production - Soil strawberry
2,5 l/h
1072,60
3,8 l/h
1138,26
5 l/h
1150,97
g/plant
Graph 3-6 Total production
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Total cumulative production - Soil strawberry (1st+2nd)
1400,00
1200,00
Grams/plant
1000,00
800,00
2,5 l/h
600,00
3,8 l/h
5 l/h
400,00
200,00
0,00
04/01/2014
04/02/2014 04/03/2014
04/04/2014
04/05/2014
Dates
Graph 3-7 Temporal evolution of total production over the course of the season
Average weight of fruit:
The average weight of fruit decreased as the season progressed, as can be seen from the
different samplings in the following table, with no statistical differences in the average
value of the six samplings carried out over the course of the present trial between any of
the tapes studied.
Average fruit weight - soil
30,00
25,00
Grams/fruit
20,00
15,00
10,00
5,00
0,00
10/03/2014
26/03/2014
15/04/2014
25/04/2014
09/05/2014
19/05/2014
2,5 l/h
25,64
17,20
18,00
17,38
15,78
14,20
3,8 l/h
26,84
20,75
20,93
16,90
19,30
15,72
5 l/h
21,47
21,01
20,67
17,37
16,32
15,45
Graph 3-8 Average weight of fruit by samplings
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Average fruit weight (average 6 samplings)- Soil
strawberry
2,5 l/h
18,04
3,8 l/h
5 l/h
20,07
18,71
Grams/fruit
Graph 3-9 Average weight of fruit (average of 6 samplings)
Table 3-8 Characteristics associated with production
Tape
Early
1st
irrigation production(t.ha category
(l/h and 1)
(t.ha-1)
l.m.)
2nd
category
(t.ha-1)
Total
Fruit
production average
(t.ha-1)
weight
(g/fruit)
Vigour
%
2nd
of
the category
plant
(cm)
2.5
26.60 a
47.86 a
12.20 a
60.06 a
18.04 a
27.93 a
20.31
3.8
25.88 a
51.76 a
11.98 a
63.74 a
20.07 a
28.41 a
18.79
5
25.67 a
52.39 a
12.05 a
64.45 a
18.71 a
29.78 b
18.69
Values followed by the same letter are not significant different with
an α = 0.05
3.3.2 Assessment of fruit quality
In quality evaluation, two parameters were followed; the firmness of the fruit and total
sugar (°Brix).
Firmness of the fruit:
Determining the firmness or hardness of the fruit is of great use in monitoring its
maturation. The firmness is expressed as the force exerted on the fruit in grammes, so
that if it is desirable to obtain the pressure exerted in kg/cm 2, the section of the selected
puncheon should be taken into account.
In general, the firmness or hardness of a fruit measured with a penetrometer gradually
lessens as its maturation process progresses. However, it should be taken into account
that the firmness of the same type of fruit may vary either because of very general
conditions (such as the variety or region of cultivation) or because of more specific
reasons such as the size or temperature of the fruit when it is measured with the
penetrometer (the greater the size or temperature, the less firmness will the fruit show).
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
The statistical studies showed that there were no statistical differences in the firmness of
the fruit, as an average of the five samplings carried out over the course of the season,
between any of the three tapes.
Firmness of the fruit - Soil strawberry
800,00
700,00
Grams of pressure
600,00
500,00
400,00
300,00
200,00
100,00
0,00
24/02/2014
14/03/2014
03/04/2014
15/04/2014
16/05/2014
2,5 l/h
627,00
526,00
537,67
490,33
503,33
3,8 l/h
714,67
590,67
476,00
484,00
412,67
5 l/h
673,67
600,33
545,33
512,67
427,33
Graph 3-10 Firmness of fruit by samplings
Firmness of the fruit (average of 5 samplings) Soil strawberry
2,5 l/h
536,87
3,8 l/h
535,60
5 l/h
551,87
Grams of pressure
Graph 3-11 Firmness of fruit (average of 5 samplings)
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Brix degrees (soluble solids content):
In the majority of the samplings the thesis producing the highest value of Brix degrees
was the 2.5 l/h tape, followed by the 5 l/h tape, although there were no statistical
differences, at a confidence level of 95%, in the Brix degrees, as an average of the five
samplings, between any of the three irrigation strategies in the trial.
ºBrix of the fruit - Soil strawberry
12,0
10,0
º Brix
8,0
6,0
4,0
2,0
0,0
24/02/2014
14/03/2014
03/04/2014
15/04/2014
16/05/2014
2,5 l/h
9,8
10,5
9,7
6,9
8,2
3,8 l/h
9,3
7,1
8,6
8,2
6,7
5 l/h
9,9
10,6
9,0
8,1
7,2
Graph 3-12 Brix degrees of fruit
ºBrix of the fruit (average 5 samplings)
- Soil strawberry
2,5 l/h
9,0
3,8 l/h
8,0
5 l/h
9,0
º Brix
Graph 3-13 Brix degrees of fruit (average of 5 samplings)
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Table 3-9 Characteristics associated with quality of the fruit
Tape
Total
irrigation sugar
(l/h and (ºBrix)
l.m.)
Firmness
(g.cm-2)
2.5
9.0 a
536.87 a
3.8
8.0 a
535.60 a
5
9.0 a
551.87 a
Values followed by the same letter are not significant different with
an α = 0.05
Of the results obtained from the statistical analyses of significance on the characteristics
associated with the production and quality of the fruit, it can be concluded that there
are no significant statistical differences, with a confidence level of 95%, in early
production of the 1st and 2nd categories, nor in total production, or in the average weight,
firmness or ºBrix of the fruit, between the three irrigation tapes.
There have only been statistical differences in the vigour of the plants, with the value
being greatest for the tape with the highest flow, which did not have positive
consequences for the yield of the cultivation.
In the table below is exposed the "water footprint", that is, the liters of water consumed
per kg of strawberry obtained.
Table 3-10 Water footprint for each of the three tapes irrigation
Tape
Total
irrigation m3/ha
2.5
2970
Production Water
(kg/ha)
Footprint
(l/kg)
60060 a
49
3.8
4513
63740 a
71
5
5665
64450 a
88
Values followed by the same letter are not significant different with
an α = 0.05
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
4. Conclusions and recommendations
Along RESFOOD project development, in Huelva (Spain), have been used a total of 3
types of drip tape with different flows (2.5, 3.8 and 5 l/h and l.m.) - in real field
conditions - with the goal of finding the most suitable solution for crop performance.
In the present trial there was an efficient management of resources in the cultivation of
strawberries by means of the use of climatic data, tools which have made it possible to
obtain information on the humidity of the soil, dynamics of the water and percentage of
drainages after irrigations and data obtained from the analysis of macronutrients and
micronutrients in the fertilizing solution, drainages, soil and leaf, as well as from the
analysis of pathogens in the drainages.
The air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and solar radiation were typical, when
comparing to the data from the last decade. According to this, the results of this study
can be applied to regions where the edapho-climatic conditions are similar.
From the statistical analysis carried out it was concluded that there are only statistical
differences, at a confidence level of 95%, in the vigour of the plants between the three
irrigation tapes (this being greatest in the 5 l/h tape) which has not been translated into
better yield. For the remaining parameters, both those associated with production (early
production, 1st category production, 2nd category production, total production, average
weight of fruit) and with the quality of the fruit (Brix degrees and firmness), the plants
showed a similar agronomic behaviour in the three irrigation tapes studied.
The results of the pathogen analyses of the drainage waters indicate that in most of the
samplings and principally at the end of the season, the content of aerobic mesophic
bacterium, coliforms, moulds, yeasts and pseudomonads spp. reached with the tape with
the lowest flow (2.5 l/h) was from one to three cycles higher than that obtained with the
tapes with higher flows.
The tape achieving the greatest irrigation efficiency, with the best use of water and
nutrients by the plant, was the 2.5 l/h and l.m. tape, representing a saving of 34% and
50% compared to the 3.8 l/h and l.m. and 5 l/h and l.m. respectively.
With regard to the environmental question, the tape with the least flow had losses of
water and fertilizers towards deeper layers not beneficial to the plant which were
much smaller than the other two, with drainage percentages of around 28%, 60% and
68% for the 2.5, 3.8 and 5 l/h and l.m. tapes respectively, which represents between
70% and 80% less leaching, with the consequent environmental benefit obtained of
reducing contamination of the soil and underground and surface waters.
In any event, it should be taken into account that in previous experiments conducted on
strawberry cultivation in the province of Huelva extraneously to this project, the 2.5 l/h
tape exhibited a greater feed drip clogging problem than the other two tapes in the trial,
which has not occurred in any of them in the present study, since hydrogen peroxide
(H2O2) was injected into the irrigation water continuously throughout the season.
This study has shown that with a saving of up to 50% of water, the plants showed the
same behaviour in terms of production and fruit quality, so that the selection of the flow
in the tape might be determined/conditioned by the possible drip feed clogging problems
in certain geographical areas, whether caused by physical, chemical or biological
conditions.
It is recommended that trials of tapes with lower flow continue to be conducted,
moreover studying their adaptation to the various types/dimensions of beds used in
cultivating strawberries and to the different types of soil, as well as evaluating their
behaviour with the use of the different filters and products on the market to try and
minimise the problem of drip feed clogging.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
5. References
[1] W. van Tongeren. E. Verschragen. „Example presentation for RESFOOD references in
project deliverables.” in 7th IWA Specialist Conference on Efficient Use &
Management of Water. Paris. 2013.
[2] T. Tagmat. „RESFOOD public website.” Minerva. 31 January 2013. [Online].
Available: www.resfood.eu.
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Annex A- Meteorological conditions in Lepe – Huelva- Spain.
Air temperature (ºC)
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Average 2013
Average 2014
Average 2002-2012
Graph A-1 Air temperature recorded between 2013 and 2014 and average conditions
between 2002-2012
35
Solar Radiation (MJ/m²)
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
January
February
March
April
Average 2013
May
June
Average 2014
July
August September October November December
Average 2002-2012
Graph A-2 Solar radiation recorded between 2013 and 2014 and average conditions
between 2002-2012
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
160
140
Rainfall (mm)
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
January
February
March
April
May
Average 2013
June
July
Average 2014
August
September
October
November December
Average 2002-2012
Graph A-3 Rainfall recorded between 2013 and 2014 and average conditions between
2002-2012
100
90
Relative Humidity (%)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
January
February
March
April
May
Average 2013
June
July
Average 2014
August
September
October
November
December
Average 2002-2012
Graph A-4 Relative humidity recorded between 2013 and 2014 and average conditions
between 2002-2012
Average ETO and Radiation
7,00
30,00
6,00
25,00
20,00
4,00
15,00
3,00
10,00
2,00
jun-14
may-14
abr-14
mar-14
feb-14
ene-14
dic-13
nov-13
0,00
oct-13
0,00
sep-13
5,00
ago-13
1,00
Radiation
ETO
5,00
Average ETO (mm/day)
Average radiation
(MJ/m2day)
Graph A-5 Average ETO and Radiation
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RESFOOD-D2.1 PU-Ferti irrigation efficient management
Annex B - Strawberry field layout for the 1st cycle in ADESVA (Spain).
Randomized complete block experimental design with three replicates (R1: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3; R2: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3; R3: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) per treatment
Figure B-1 Strawberry field layout
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The trial of soil cultivation of strawberries conducted in the ADESVA experimental plot
during the 2013-14 season has a randomized complete block experimental design with
three replicates for each of the treatments.
Three different treatments were tried:
-
Tape of 2.5 l/h and linear metre.
-
Tape of 3.8 l/h and linear metre.
-
Tape of 5 l/h and linear metre.
These treatments were installed at the same time that the beds were constructed and
the mulching films were placed. They were replicated three times in a randomized
complete block design.
Each treatment consists of three macrotunnels of 200 metres per macrotunnel and 1,600
plants per macrotunnel (a total of 4,800 strawberry plants per treatment). For production
and fruit quality sampling 75 plants per treatment were taken.
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Annex C - Strawberry trial location in the farm. ADESVA
(Spain)
Figure C-1 Strawberry trial location in the farm
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Annex D – Irrigation pH and electrical conductivity evolution
Irrigation pH Evolution - Soil Strawberry
8
7
6
pH
5
4
5L
3
3,8 L
2
2,5 L
1
0
Graph D-1 Irrigation pH evolution
EC (µs/cm)
Irrigation Electrical Conductivity Evolution - Soil
Strawberry
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
5L
3,8 L
2,5 L
Graph D-2 Irrigation electrical conductivity evolution
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Annex E – Drainage pH and electrical conductivity evolution
Evolution of Drainages - Soil Strawberry
120,00
100,00
% Drainage
80,00
Lysimeter 2.5 l/h
60,00
Lysimeter 3.8 l/h
Lysimeter 5 l/h
40,00
20,00
0,00
08/11/2013
08/12/2013
08/01/2014
08/02/2014
08/03/2014
08/04/2014
08/05/2014
Graph E-1 Evolution of drainages
Drainage pH Evolution - Soil Strawberry
8,5
8
pH
7,5
7
Lysimeter 2.5 l/h
Lysimeter 3.8 l/h
6,5
Lysimeter 5 l/h
6
5,5
5
08/11/2013
08/12/2013
08/01/2014
08/02/2014
08/03/2014
08/04/2014
08/05/2014
Graph E-2 Drainage pH evolution
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Drainage Electrical Conductivity Evolution - Soil Strawberry
2505
2005
1505
µS/cm
Lysimeter 2.5 l/h
Lysimeter 3.8 l/h
Lysimeter 5 l/h
1005
505
5
08/11/2013
08/12/2013
08/01/2014
08/02/2014
08/03/2014
08/04/2014
08/05/2014
Graph E-3 Drainage electrical conductivity evolution
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Annex F – Dynamics of irrigation water in the soil profile, for
the three irrigation tapes
1. Dynamics of water in each irrigation tape, average of the three
depths
Legend
---
2,5 l/h
---
3,8 l/h
---
5 l/h
Comparative humidity (whole)
Graph F-1 Percentage of humidity in the drip tape 2.5 l/h, 3.8 l/h and 5 l/h, average of
the three depths
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2. Comparative soil humidity at 10, 20 and 30 cm of depth, for the
three irrigation tapes
Comparative humidity at 10 cm
24,00
% humidity
22,00
20,00
2,5 l/h
18,00
3,8 l/h
16,00
5 l/h
14,00
12,00
10,00
December
January
February
March
April
May
Graph F-2 Comparative humidity of soil to a depth of 10 cm, for the three irrigation tapes
Comparative humidity at 20 cm
24,00
% humidity
22,00
20,00
2,5 l/h
18,00
3,8 l/h
16,00
5 l/h
14,00
12,00
10,00
December
January
February
March
April
May
Graph F-3 Comparative humidity of soil to a depth of 20 cm, for the three irrigation tapes
Comparative humidity at 30 cm
24,00
% humidity
22,00
20,00
2,5 l/h
18,00
3,8 l/h
16,00
5 l/h
14,00
12,00
10,00
December
January
February
March
April
May
Graph F-4 Comparative humidity of soil to a depth of 30 cm, for the three irrigation tapes
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3. Percentage of humidity in the drip tape 2.5 l/h, 3.8 l/h and 5
l/h, at three depths (10, 20 and 30 cm)
Irrigation tape 2,5 l/h
24,00
22,00
% humidity
20,00
18,00
10 cm
16,00
20 cm
30 cm
14,00
12,00
10,00
December
January
February
March
April
May
Graph F-5 Percentage of humidity in the drip tape 2.5 l / h, at three depths (10, 20 and
30 cm)
Irrigation tape 3,8 l/h
24,00
22,00
% humidity
20,00
18,00
10 cm
16,00
20 cm
30 cm
14,00
12,00
10,00
December
January
February
March
April
May
Graph F-6 Percentage of humidity in the drip tape 3.8 l / h, at three depths (10, 20 and
30 cm)
Irrigation tape 5l/h
24,00
22,00
% humidity
20,00
18,00
10 cm
16,00
20 cm
30 cm
14,00
12,00
10,00
December
January
February
March
April
May
Graph F-7 Percentage of humidity in the drip tape 5 l / h, at three depths (10, 20 and 30
cm)
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Annex G – Soil temperature for the three irrigation tapes
Graph G-1 Soil temperature in each irrigation tape
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Comparative soil temperature
25,00
20,00
ºC
15,00
2,5 l/h
10,00
5,00
3,8 l/h
5 l/h
0,00
Graph G-2 Soil temperature in each irrigation tape
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Annex H – Analysis of nutrients
Table H-1 1st analysis of nutrients in fertilizer solution, drainage and soil (at 15 cm and 30 cm of depth)
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Table H-2 2nd analysis of nutrients in fertilizer solution, drainage and soil (at 15 cm and 30 cm of depth)
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Table H-3 3rd analysis of nutrients in fertilizer solution, drainage and soil (at 15 cm and 30 cm of depth)
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Table H-4 1st Foliar analysis of nutrients
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Annex I – Analysis of pathogens in the drainage water of the lysimeters
Aerobic mesophilic bact. (CFU/mL)
THESIS
14/Jan
A. STRAWBERRIES GROWN "in soil"
A1. Irrigation 2,5 l/h
A2. Irrigation 3,8 l/h
A3. Irrigation 5,0 l/h
3,3E+05
2,7E+04
1,5E+04
11-feb
7,5E+04
8,1E+04
7,2E+04
24-abr
14/Jan
<4,0E+04
1,60E+05
9,80E+03
End of season (mid May 2014)
THESIS
A. STRAWBERRIES GROWN "in soil"
A1. Irrigation 2,5 l/h
A2. Irrigation 3,8 l/h
A3. Irrigation 5,0 l/h
Coliforms
(NMP/100
11-feb mL)
1,6E+03
7,1E+03
7,6E+03
>2,4E+03
>2,4E+03
>2,4E+03
Aerobic mesophilic bact.
rep 1(CFU/mL) rep 2
3,9E+05
1,9E+05
2,7E+04
A. STRAWBERRIES GROWN "in soil"
A1. Irrigation 2,5 l/h
A2. Irrigation 3,8 l/h
A3. Irrigation 5,0 l/h
14/Jan
2,3E+03
7,3E+02
1,6E+03
11-feb
<1
<1,0E+02
<1,0E+02
Coliforms
Salmonella
24-abr
<1
<1
1
E. coli (NMP/100 mL)
(NMP/100
mL)
rep
1
rep 2
rep 1
rep 2
<10
<10
<10
Coliforms
(NMP/100
mL)
rep
1
rep 2
3,8E+05
2,8E+04
8,0E+03
2,4E+04
7,4E+01
6,3E+02
1,3E+04
8,6E+01
6,3E+02
11-feb
Molds (CFU/mL)
24-abr
rep 1
<10
<10
<100
Salmonella
rep 1
rep 2
Abscence (in 100mL)
Abscence (in 100mL)
Abscence (in 100mL)
E. coli (NMP/100 mL)
rep 1(CFU/mL)rep 2
4,7E+05
9,8E+04
4,9E+03
14/Jan
14/Jan
rep 2
Salmonella
rep 1
rep 2
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24-abr
3,9E+01
1,4E+03
4,7E+03
5,4E+02
<10
<10
Molds (CFU/mL)
rep 1
rep 2
<40
>1E+03
<40
14/Jan
3,2E+02
1,6E+01
1,1E+01
11-feb
<1
3,4E+03
6,7E+03
Yeast (CFU/mL)
rep 1
rep 2
8,0E+02
rep 2
7,0E+02
7,0E+02
<40
Pseudomonas spp. (CFU/mL)
24-abr
5,3E+02
<10
<10
14/Jan
>2,4E+03
>2,4E+03
1,8E+02
11-feb
9,8E+03
1,3E+04
2,5E+04
Pseudomonas spp.
rep 1(CFU/mL)rep 2
1,4E+05
4,9E+04
5,0E+03
4,0E+01
Molds (CFU/mL)
rep 1
<10 Abscence (in
Abscence
100mL) (in 100mL)
<4E+02
<10 Abscence (in
Abscence
100mL) (in 100mL)
7,0E+01
<100 Abscence (in
Abscence
100mL) (in 100mL)
<10
Table I-1 Analysis of pathogens in the drainage water of the lysimeter
Yeast (CFU/mL)
11-feb
<1 Abscence (in 100mL)
Abscence (in
Abscence
100mL) (in 100mL)
1,6E+03
<1 Abscence (in 100mL)
Abscence (in
Abscence
100mL) (in 100mL)
4,0E+01
<1 Abscence (in 100mL)
Abscence (in
Abscence
100mL) (in 100mL)
1,8E+01
>2,4E+04
>2,4E+04
3,7E+03
End of season (end May 2014) Aerobic mesophilic bact.
THESIS
E. coli (NMP/100 mL)
24-abr
rep 1
rep 2
Pseudomonas spp.
rep 1(CFU/mL)rep 2
7,8E+03
4,9E+02
<40
5,2E+03
<1E+02
<10
1,3E+05
1,1E+03
4,0E+02
Yeast (CFU/mL)
1,5E+05
8,2E+02
<4E+02
24-abr
1,7E+04
2,2E+04
1,7E+04
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