SCHEDULE IRRIGATION BASED ON ACCUMULATED SOLAR RADIATION
Solar radiation is the most important source of energy for a plant and a climatic determinant for the development and yield of a crop. A decrease in the amount or incidence of radiation lowers the chlorophyll content and reduces the photosynthetic activity and the concentration of photochemicals in the plant.
Together with temperature, relative humidity and wind speed, solar radiation determines the water vapour demand of the atmosphere, and is therefore a determining factor for the water and irrigation needs of the crop.
In the summer months, when there is no cloud cover and the sun’s rays strike more perpendicularly, there is more radiation and the actual evapotranspiration is also higher. This means that the plant’s water vapour demand is higher, and the frequency of irrigation is shorter.
Irrigation can be activated on the basis of the cumulative irridiation parameter using controllers such as Mithra Pro. With these controllers, irrigation can be programmed on the basis of an accumulated radiation value that must be reached. This means that irrigation will start when this value is reached. Each time irrigation is started, the ccumulated radiation counter will be reset (0 Wh/m2) and start accumulating radiation again.
These irrigation controllers also allow you to have different programmes and in each of them make adjustments to establish the different conditions that must be fulfilled for irrigation to be carried out. They allow the configuration of different types of irrigation; by volumen, or by time, and the activation by Schedule, by accumulated radiation, by demand, by drainage or by external probe.
Good irrigation and fertilisation practice is essential for good crop development and optimal production.
