Caudal and CSIC investigate the impact of drip irrigation on avocado cultivation in southern Spain

The project seeks to optimize water use and promote sustainability in avocado production through drip irrigation and reclaimed water.

Avocado production in southern Spain faces significant challenges related to irrigation and adaptation to current climatic conditions. In response, Caudal is collaborating with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) on a research project analyzing the impact of localized drip irrigation and the use of reclaimed water in avocado cultivation. The trials, being conducted at the experimental station of the 'La Mayora' Institute of Subtropical and Mediterranean Horticulture in Málaga, will run until March 2026.

This project focuses on improving water and nutrient absorption directly at the roots of avocado trees, while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of less efficient irrigation methods, such as sprinkler irrigation. To achieve this, Caudal pipes with diameters of 16 and 20 mm and flow rates of 1.6 to 3.8 l/h are used, implementing a self-compensating and anti-suction model (PC700 AS). The analysis considers different irrigation configurations, such as the number of lines per dripper and the spacing between them, to determine the most effective configurations and evaluate the feasibility of using reclaimed water.

The results of this research will not only benefit avocado cultivation, but could also be applied to other crops such as mango and in other regions of the peninsula with similar conditions. Caudal, with more than 25 years of experience providing efficient and sustainable irrigation solutions, continues its commitment to innovation in agriculture and the drinking water industry, with a presence in more than 40 countries.

Source: freshplaza.es