"Artichoke is relatively resistant to drought, but the quality and yield of the crop are highly dependent on an adequate and consistent water supply. Regularly watering the crops during the germination and seedling establishment phase is essential so they can develop a strong root system. As the plant grows and develops its foliage, it still needs water to avoid water stress, which can compromise yields."
"Drip irrigation stands out as the most efficient method for artichoke cultivation. This system allows water to be supplied directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation and reducing the risk of foliar diseases, which can be caused by excessive moisture on the leaves. In addition, drip irrigation contributes to a more rational use of water, an increasingly scarce and valuable resource."
Producers should irrigate the crops early in the morning to minimize evaporation and ensure the plants absorb moisture efficiently. "Ensuring uniform irrigation is crucial to maximize production and ensure the crop's quality. The AZUD Geniun self-compensating drip irrigation pipe with an integrated dripper is an ideal solution to ensure uniform irrigation, especially on sloping plots or when branch lengths are significant. These emitters ensure that all plants receive the same amount of water, regardless of their position in the field, which is essential to maintain the homogeneity of the crop."
"In addition, AZUD experts recommend having a monitoring station to facilitate moisture and depth control using soil probes that accurately measure the soil's moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity, allowing producers to make decisions regarding the crops' irrigation and plant nutrition. This solution is designed to ensure the availability of water and nutrients for the plant, avoiding salt accumulation, and preserving the soil and its environment."
"Irrigation uniformity also directly impacts the artichoke harvest, which takes place in several phases. Proper irrigation and fertilization management can improve the uniformity of the buds, which allows obtaining maximum yield in each harvest pass. This improves the quality of the final product, optimizes resources, and increases the efficiency of the harvesting process."
The quality of irrigation water is another aspect that shouldn't be neglected. "The artichoke plant is relatively tolerant to salts, but an excess of salts in the water can favor the appearance of diseases. Thus, it's important that producers analyze the quality of the water used in irrigation and, if necessary, implement corrective measures."
"To face these challenges, AZUD has developed specific technologies that guarantee water quality in high-precision irrigation systems. In particular, AZUD Helix Automatic self-cleaning disc filtration equipment has become one of the most advanced options for water management in artichoke cultivation."
"This filtration system is based on a set of disks that retain particles in suspension, both inorganic and organic, and that are automatically cleaned by a sequential backwash process. What makes it particularly efficient is its ability to maintain a continuous supply of filtered water without interruption, even during the cleaning process"
"Efficient water management, together with the use of advanced technologies, improves the artichokes' quality and contributes to the sustainability of the crop, an increasingly relevant aspect in the new agriculture."
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