Novagric > Irrigation > Equipment and Technologies

Frost protection using micro-sprinklers

Frost can have a devastating impact on crops, damaging leaves, flowers and fruit.

Sudden low temperatures (below 0°C) generate water stress in crops, which can result in damage to flowering and ripening of fruit that are not physiologically ready.

What is the irrigation freeze protection system

The system is based on a natural process of water: When it changes state, it releases energy (80 calories per gram of water).

The water supplied by irrigation changes from a liquid to a solid phase, releasing temperature and energy that protects the crop from frost.

Solutions to mitigate frost damage

Micro-sprinkler irrigation is one of the most efficient anti-freeze systems for the prevention of frost damage to flowers and fruits of early crops. Micro-sprinklers focus and spray water directly onto the plants, and to a lesser extent between the planting rows.

For the system to be effective, it is essential to design the irrigation system correctly in order to obtain good results.

Applications of sprinkers for frost protection

  • Full coverage

  • Located

  • Directed

  • Constant

  • Sequential

  • All require a minimum application of 3 mm/ml
  • Suitable for temperatures down to -7ºC.

Advantages of micro-sprinkler frost protection

Precise application

Uniform and continuous application within the pressure range without causing saturation or flooding in the field (even on uneven terrain).

Long range

Protects large areas of crops with a long range.

Low investment

Low investment and maintenance of the system (pump, filtration, pipes and fittings).

Same head

Allows the same sprinkler head to be used for irrigation and frost protection.

It does not generate CO2

Prevents combustion of materials to create heat

Reduces flow per hectare

It is possible to work with much lower flow rates than with conventional sprinklers.

-6ºC

Protects against frost down to -6°C.

Long life

Insect protection mechanisms, eliminates sealing problems with highly durable materials.

Install a frost protection system

At Novagric we install low-flow sprinkler irrigation systems (30-300 l/h) with precise, constant and uniform application of water that adjusts the irrigation dose and flow rate to the crop to protect the plant.

On which crops is it most effective?

Frost protection by micro-sprinkler is very effective in vineyards and fruit trees, such as peach, pear, plum and nectarine trees, and in general, for all trellised crops.

On the other hand, for crops that grow with more volume, total coverage sprinklers or individualised sprinklers are used for each crop, but with optimum control and maintenance to make the most of the water.