An operative group devoted to innovation, which is researching new efficient irrigation systems for greenhouse cherry tomato cultivation, has shared the results of its experience with producers from the coast of Granada in an informative meeting in Castell de Ferro.
This has been reported in a press release by Cooperativas Agroalimentarias de Andalucía, which is promoting the group that also features Eurocastell Caña, Technological Center Tecnova, Functional Food Research and Development Center, and the Institute of Agriculture and Fisheries Research and Training.
During the event's presentation, held at the facilities of Grupo La Caña, the R & D director of Eurocastell Caña, Beatriz Molina, has highlighted the company's interest in optimizing the use of the water resources available in the area.
"Water is a precious resource and we have to optimize it; this project represents a great opportunity to improve the fertirrigation of cherry tomatoes; a very popular crop in eastern Andalusia," said Molina.
This operative group brings together research, scientific and agricultural work. The field work is carried out in greenhouses of the company Eurocastell Caña, which belongs to Grupo La Caña, one of the largest fruit and vegetable marketers in the province.
In the framework of the project, which will still continue for two more years, three irrigation prototypes for soil and hydroponics are being tested in 1,200 square meters of cherry tomato plantations.
The representative of Tecnova, (company that has designed the irrigation systems), Eduardo Pardo, has meanwhile looked into the new technologies that will help analyze aspects such as water efficiency and plant productivity, as well as savings in the consumption of fertilizers applied to the crop through irrigation.
The project coordinator and member of the Cooperativas Agroalimentarias of Andalusia-Granada team, Esther Álvarez, highlighted the social and environmental interest of this experience.
"Implementing new efficient irrigation methods that adapt well to cherry tomato cultivation and to the characteristics of the farms will have a very positive economic and environmental impact for our province and for all of Andalusia," she said.
In the coming months, quality tests will continue to be carried out on the fruits obtained, making it possible to draw conclusions about which is the most effective irrigation system when it comes to "obtaining a product of the highest quality and optimum flavor."
Source: Europa Press