During the display day at the Todeschini commercial farm, the focus was on productive processes, irrigation and fertigation. These techniques can increase production, improve quality and guarantee a lower environmental impact.
"In the past few years, cultivation techniques have evolved - whole seed tubers are employed and sowing layouts have changed, just like the amount of water used for crops, which is being reduced according to the weather and phenological phases," explains Luciano Trentini, coordinator of the Borsa Patate di Bologna.
Sprinkler or drip irrigation is used and fertilization is changing too, as fertigation is considered a more modern method that supplies nutrients only when plants need them, following integrated control standards and making the system more efficient.
The experience of Todeschini was analysed in detail. It uses the drip irrigation technique on 40 hectares and is followed by a pool of companies headed by Netafim, the global leader in the drip and micro-irrigation sector. Bragaglia designed and manufactured the irrigation, filtering and fertigation systems and Orlandi Roberto Macchine Agricole supplied the equipment necessary to lay and pull up the driplines. Demetra and Cifo drafted the fertilisation plan and supplied the nutrients. All of this enabled the company to increase production by 33%.
Sprinkler or drip irrigation is used and fertilization is changing too, as fertigation is considered a more modern method that supplies nutrients only when plants need them, following integrated control standards and making the system more efficient.
The experience of Todeschini was analysed in detail. It uses the drip irrigation technique on 40 hectares and is followed by a pool of companies headed by Netafim, the global leader in the drip and micro-irrigation sector. Bragaglia designed and manufactured the irrigation, filtering and fertigation systems and Orlandi Roberto Macchine Agricole supplied the equipment necessary to lay and pull up the driplines. Demetra and Cifo drafted the fertilisation plan and supplied the nutrients. All of this enabled the company to increase production by 33%.
Technicians and producers could assess the functioning, performance and benefits of this innovative technique that does not pollute the groundwater or soil with excessive fertilizers. Legambiente even stressed the interest towards techniques with low environmental impact such as this one.
Netafin fertigation solutions represent an innovation with a high strategic potential and a great opportunity for a sustainable future.
"Data collected during the 2014 tests showed that we saved 70% of diesel and 40% of water. Productivity was also good - 20% more than using traditional methods - and grades were uniform," explains Matteo Todeschini.
With this technique there is also the possibility of irrigating in windy conditions or with high temperatures and to monitor soil humidity to favour growth. In addition, there was less need for anti-parasite treatments.
"We will organise other events in 2015. Today, July 11th, the focus will be on mechanisation, whereas in autumn we will talk about product storing. A certified productive process is recognised at a European level and represents a guarantee for both producers and final consumers," concluded Trentini.
We can definitely say that they even showed how agricultural production sees, in technological innovation, an opportunity to overcome the unfavourable trend of the past few years.
Author: Raffaella Quadretti
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