"Phytech helps us reduce water applications. We can actually see if the plant is under stress" / Costa Group Testimonial

We’re honored to share the voice of world-leading growers who are helping shape the future of agriculture. Our latest story comes from Costa Group, Australia’s largest citrus producer and a company built on a legacy of passion, integrity, and innovation in fresh-produce farming.

As part of our work together in Sunraysia, Linda Glenz, Data Integrity Specialist at Phytech, reached out to Werner Ullrich, Irrigation & Agronomy Manager at Costa Group, to learn how Phytech supports their day-to-day irrigation decisions across their citrus operations.

Werner also reflected on earlier insights from table grapes, which helped shape their current irrigation strategy.

"Costa Group’s open and practical feedback continues to help Phytech improve its service", says Glenz, "We're proud to support their citrus and broader horticultural operations across Sunraysia."

Read the full testimonial below.

Werner Ullrich and Irrigation Manager Michael O’Callaghan next to a typical Phytech setup, including the irrigation pressure sensor providing live drip-line pressure feedback, alongside soil-moisture profiling and dendrometers tracking plant performance.

1. What challenges were you facing in your irrigation or crop management before using Phytech?

For Table grapes we were trying to control vegetative growth by deficit irrigation but were always panicking ahead of hot weather + filling profile. Phytech showed us that the vines weren't stressing even though soil was dry. Enabling us to better control vegetative growth.

“Werner Ullrich using the Phytech Plant app while out in the field - real-time irrigation and plant insights always on hand.”

• 
  

2. How has Phytech changed the way you make decisions on the farm?

We can actually see if the plant is under stress rather than assume that all is OK because soil is very moist at 10 cm or conversely assume plant is stressing because soil is dry.

3. Can you share a specific example where Phytech helped you achieve better outcomes - such as yield, water savings, or labour efficiency? If applicable, please demonstrate ROI.

It has helped identify root health and shallow rooting patterns. Its also led to reduce water applications both in total amount applied and length of irrigation cycle.

4. What features or aspects of the system do you find most valuable?

There's a lot of data - ETO, amount of irrigation applied, water pressure, fruit size sensors, soil moist sensor, plant stress sensors - all in the one platform.

Temperature data loggers also very useful.

Last season’s crisp, uniform table-grape clusters - a great example of healthy bunch development supported by precise irrigation insights.