Agriculture has transformed dramatically, moving from simple tools to sophisticated systems that enhance efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and quality. At the forefront of this transformation is Dutoit, a leading farming, packing, and marketing enterprise. Celebrating 130 years of leadership in South African agriculture, Dutoit has spent the past five years rigorously researching and partnering with innovative companies to identify the most impactful technologies for their pome and stone fruit production.
Dutoit's Technical Manager, Willie Kotze, unpacks this progress and some of the systems being implemented. "Dutoit's use of satellite and drone imagery has revolutionised orchard management by identifying variations in canopy growth and fruit uniformity. This data-driven approach enables precise interventions, ensuring better fruit quality and storability. GPS-equipped fertiliser spreaders further enhance crop nutrition, tailoring nutrient management to specific orchard zones and reducing over- or under-fertilisation."
Optimising water use with advanced irrigation monitoring
Water is one of the most precious resources, and Dutoit has prioritised its sustainable use. Advanced irrigation monitors and probes, combined with real-time data from weather stations and field tests, allow for precise water management. This ensures that every drop is used efficiently, aligning irrigation with the unique needs of different orchard zones.
Innovative sensors and geotagging for precision farming
Dutoit has implemented cutting-edge sensors for fruit growth, leaf, and soil analysis, using GPS technology to ensure precise sampling locations. A new project involving geotagging bins in the fields allows Dutoit to trace fruit back to specific orchard locations, minimising the impact of any post-harvest issues.
Leveraging big data for informed decision-making
The integration of various technologies into a unified platform is a key focus for Dutoit. By enabling cross-communication between different data systems, Dutoit is able to leverage big data for more powerful analysis and better decision-making in real-time.
Reducing Fruit Loss and Enhancing Quality
To minimise bruising during harvest and transport, Dutoit has partnered with Hortgro to trial innovative solutions like Fruitguard bin liners and improved transportation methods. These measures significantly reduce external shocks and ensure the highest quality of fresh produce.
Protecting crops with specialised structures
Weather and environmental factors are critical to fruit quality. Dutoit has invested in specialised structures, particularly for cherry orchards, to protect against rain, hail, and suboptimal winter conditions. These structures not only shield the fruit but also help manage the microclimate within the orchards.
Varietal evaluations for optimal yield and quality
Dutoit meticulously evaluates new cultivars, capturing vital data on tree growth, fruit quality, and post-harvest storability. This data-driven approach ensures the best varieties are selected for each microclimate, contributing to Dutoit's ongoing success in delivering top-quality produce.
Continued innovation, commitment to sustainability
Kotze emphasises that the substantial investments in technology have brought significant advantages in quality, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.
For more information:
Dutoit Group
Tel: +27 (0)23 312 3136
Email: [email protected]
www.dutoitagri.co.za