Farming is challenging enough when things are normal, but it's been quite a challenge this season for Pacific North West cherry growers, The region, which accounts for more than 60% of US cherry production (approx. 12 million boxes), suffered severe frost conditions that bees activities - and of course trees' productivity.
"Our hearts goes for the growers, but that are some good signs that as the saying goes, it's always darkest before the dawn", says WA Territory Manager, Iftach Shalev Rosenbach, "Temperatures have been great these last couple of days, and bees have returned to work".
With a short season that can take 6 weeks from start to harvest, it's no wonder that cherry growing is challenging and requires constant attention to trees' water-demand and conditions.
"Unlike other crops like nuts or citrus, with cherries, every irrigation decision is critical", explains . We're finally seeing that heat rises, sugar production starts. Growers should pay close attention to their trees status and soil's temperature on Phytech's app. With a granular view on the block-level, it's easy to allocate water where it's needed", says Iftach.
Paying close attention to trees' status
With the trees "telling" growers how thirsty are they, when are and how much water do they need, growers can optimize and fine-tune their irrigation tactics to get high-quality yields. We've already reported that one of our growers in the Tri-Cities area managed to save 60% of his water-usage in April, after switching to Phytech's plant-based practices.
Plant-sensor. Hearing what trees are saying
