Test Cases

Precision Irrigation for Bananas in Macronesia region

Leader
LUKE

Country
Finland

Sector
Vegetables

Biogeographical region
Boreal

Range of digital technologies
Recording or Mapping technologies, Robotic Systems or Smart Machines

Target stakeholders
Growers and farmers that cultivate tomatoes on 1-1,5 ha in a modern blockhouse and older plastic greenhouses, and supply their tomatoes to a local packing house cooperative.

Short description
The growers have added a selection of sensors measuring plant physiology through a climate control system for following plant biomass accumulation and irrigation needs. A data platform for visualising all measured variables in one place will be used, getting the data for analysis. Furthermore phytosense for measuring certain physiological parameters from plants will be used, while a data platform will exist for collecting all data to one place. Infrared radiometers for measuring leaf temperature will be utilised as well as line-PAR-metres for monitoring realised light intensity in the crops. The results give guidance to steer plant growth and reproduction more precisely than just abiotic measurements.

Major goals
The main goal is to understand what plants need and steer their growth better for higher yields and better quality of end products. Due to electricity prices that are on the increase this TC will aim to optimise the light intensities in autumn and winter months. The mentioned techniques are used for the whole farm approach as they make an integrated whole to better steer plant growth and fruit production.