Projar started a trial to maximize the benefits of incorporating coconut fiber to the soil

The incorporation of compressed plates of coconut fiber agricultural land is a practice with a high potential, provided that the use of this system to obtain its maximum capacity. A situation that from Projar have been detected that are rarely met due to the application of strategies of irrigation with a high envelope density and low-frequency without taking into account the factors that directly or indirectly affect the crop.

 

?In recent years we have noting that the strategy of irrigation that is done in this system is not adequate,? explains Juan Manuel García, Product Manager of Projar. ?In the phases of the vegetative and productive culture we have been able to verify that a high percentage of the plant's root system develops outside the volume of the substrate of coconut fiber. This results in a high presence of roots in the soil and, therefore, in a misuse of the advantages that coconut provides to the crops,? he concludes.

 

For this reason, and to maximize the performance of this productive model, the Technical Department of Projar has initiated a trial in a tomato crop in the province of Murcia. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that through a proper management of the irrigation is obtained by the maximum development of the root system in the volume of coconut fiber introduced into the soil, taking into account the environmental parameters inside the greenhouse and the characteristics of the soil as the substrate.

 

?At the end of the day, a proper strategy for irrigation should meet the objectives set out for each moment and situation of the crop, taking into account those variables that affect directly to the practice of irrigation, such as environmental factors and the physical properties, chemical and biological characteristics of the substrate,? explains Garcia.

 

For this assay, Projar has precision technology through the installation of sensors of humidity, temperature, and conductivity in the ground and in the substrate, in addition to measurement sensors of environmental variables.

?This study will help the farmer to get greater savings and a better efficiency in the use of water and nutrients while maintaining or increasing the productivity by getting the root system of the plant colonize the total volume of coconut fiber present in the soil?, explains García. ?In September we will have the first results and we are convinced that the data collected will represent a qualitative leap in the use of this system in the horticultural production?.