USO DE ASPERSORES ELEVADOS PARA CONTROL DE HELADAS EN PALTOS

Summary

This video showcases a frost protection system used in agriculture, where elevated sprinklers are installed to prevent plant frost damage. The system works by spraying water that freezes on the plant’s surface, forming an ice layer that keeps the internal temperature above freezing. This prevents cell damage from rapid temperature changes. Additionally, the system helps regulate plant stress during hot summer temperatures by controlling humidity and lowering the temperature. The system is easy to implement and provides a reliable solution for temperature regulation, benefiting both plant health and yield.

Takeaways

• 😀 The area is very beautiful, especially during this period, and a frost protection system was installed last year by Gabriel Rojas.
• 😀 A sprinkler system was designed to prevent frost damage by spraying water over newly planted crops, keeping them protected during freezing conditions.
• 😀 The system consists of elevated sprinklers that can water 12 to 15 plants simultaneously, providing an efficient and cost-effective solution for large areas.
• 😀 The sprinklers used have a flow rate of 800 liters per hour and are performing well to meet the intended function of frost protection.
• 😀 When temperatures approach zero degrees, the sprinklers are activated to spray water, which freezes on the leaves, creating an ice layer that prevents the internal leaf temperature from dropping below freezing.
• 😀 The frozen layer of water forms a protective 'igloo' effect, keeping the internal temperature of the plant above freezing (around 10-15 degrees Celsius), preventing cellular damage from freezing.
• 😀 The system works by gradually thawing the ice in the morning before sunrise by reactivating the sprinklers, which helps to safely warm the plant without causing thermal shock.
• 😀 By gradually melting the ice, the plant avoids damage from sudden temperature changes, ensuring the leaf remains safe from frost while the sun rises.
• 😀 This system also helps in hot weather conditions (over 35°C) by activating the sprinklers to lower the temperature and increase humidity, preventing plant stress caused by excessive heat.
• 😀 The sprinklers help maintain normal transpiration and prevent flower damage or plant death that can occur during high heat and low humidity conditions.
• 😀 This frost and heat protection system has proven effective and is easy to implement, offering a viable solution for managing temperature extremes in agricultural settings.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the irrigation system described in the transcript?

The purpose of the irrigation system is to protect plants from frost by using sprinklers to create a layer of ice around the leaves, preventing the temperature inside the plant cells from dropping below freezing.

How does the irrigation system prevent frost damage to plants?

The system uses elevated sprinklers to spray water on the plants. As the water freezes on the leaves, it forms an ice layer that keeps the internal temperature of the leaf above freezing, protecting it from frost damage.

What type of sprinklers are used in the system?

The system uses sprinklers with a flow rate of 800 liters per hour, which are designed to cover 12 to 15 plants at a time.

What is the effect of the ice layer on the plants?

The ice layer formed on the leaves prevents the plant's internal temperature from falling below 0°C, effectively acting as an 'igloo' to protect the plant cells from freezing.

How does the system function once the ice forms on the leaves?

After the ice forms, the sprinklers are turned on again before sunrise to melt the ice. This gradual thawing process prevents thermal shock to the plant cells, allowing them to return to a normal temperature.

What are the benefits of using this system during summer?

During hot summer days, the sprinklers help reduce the temperature and regulate the relative humidity, preventing heat stress on the plants, which could otherwise halt transpiration and cause damage.

What happens to the plants when the temperature exceeds 35°C?

When the temperature reaches above 35°C, the sprinklers are activated to cool down the environment and maintain a healthy level of humidity, helping the plant continue its normal processes and avoid damage.

What is the main challenge the irrigation system addresses?

The main challenge the system addresses is frost and extreme heat, both of which can cause significant damage to the plants, such as flower death or stunted growth due to stress.

Why is it important to activate the sprinklers before the sun rises?

Activating the sprinklers before sunrise ensures that the ice on the leaves begins to melt gradually, preventing sudden temperature changes that could harm the plants.

How easy is it to implement this frost protection system?

The system is designed to be easy to implement and can be adapted to other locations with similar conditions, providing a cost-effective solution to protect crops from frost and heat stress.