Drip Protection technology helps with phytosanitary control of crops and generates savings for rural producers

The use of irrigation systems has been growing year after year in the country. The constant climate irregularity makes farmers look for alternatives to ensure their production and guarantee their profitability. Among the irrigation methods on the market, drip has been gaining ground on rural properties, not only in mature markets such as coffee, citrus, and HF, but also in pasture, sugar cane and grains.

Efficiency in water application allows the producer to apply not only water and fertilizers, but also chemical, organic and biological products via irrigation water, this practice is what we call drip protection. But after all, what are the benefits that farmers will have when using this technology? In this article I will highlight the main advantages of applying products via drip and the impacts on rural producers' daily lives.

1) Cost reduction

With the application of products, whether chemical, organic or biological, via the system, the farmer can reduce their cost with diesel oil, as they are “piggybacking” with the irrigation, meaning there is no need for machinery to enter the field. Furthermore, the system has high application efficiency, reducing product waste due to drift.

2) Reduction of physical damage to the crop

With fewer machines entering the field, there will consequently be a lower rate of physical damage to crops, which can prevent branches from breaking or crushing plants and falling flowers and fruits. Furthermore, such damage can serve as a gateway for pathogens.

3) Less need for labor

By applying products via drip, additional operations such as spraying, for example, are avoided. Practically the same work for carrying out irrigation will also be carried out for the application of pesticides, biological products, etc. Netafim drip irrigation systems feature automation, further optimizing labor costs.

4) Less soil compaction

By reducing the entry of machinery into the field, we will consequently have less soil compaction, providing better distribution of water, nutrients and other products, as well as better root development in depth.

5) Reduction of operator contamination risks

The operator's risk of contamination will be limited to the preparation of the syrup, and it is still necessary to use PPE correctly. However, the risk of contamination in the spraying operation does not exist, as the entire application is done through the irrigation system.

6) Possibility of application at any time and in small doses

Through drip protection, the farmer can apply at any time of the day, regardless of soil humidity and weather conditions. It also allows the application of smaller doses with greater uniformity and efficiency.

7)  Efficiency in nematode control

Still in the study phase, but with excellent results so far, drip protection has shown to be very promising in controlling nematodes. In underground dripping, in some works, aiming to control nematodes through biological products, treatments that received the application of Bacillus subtilis had their population reduced, as well as increased productivity.

These are some of the many benefits of using drip protection to protect crops and also to promote a more favorable microbiological environment for plants. For safe application, products must be 100% soluble in water, have a mechanism of action that allows application via an irrigation system and also be registered for this purpose. If in doubt, always consult an agronomic specialist.

João Silva, Netafim Agronomic Specialist