Artichoke
Spain
Crop | Artichoke (Green tapered, Globe and Violet tapered)
Region of trial | Lorca, Murcia, Spain
Trial Duration | 6 months
Co-operators | Agroliner, Almería, Spain and CRICKET, Lorca, Murcia, South-East Spain
50%
Saving on water
About the Trial
The aim of the trial was to see if a reduction of water and fertiliser was possible under normal growing conditions through the winter period.
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CRICKET Produce is one of the largest growers in Spain and has been since 1989. They now farm over some 3000 Ha of broccoli and artichokes along with cauliflower, cabbage and melons.
Aim of the Trials
CRICKET is based at the very heart of the Guadalentín Valley (Lorca, Murcia, South-East Spain). This area, which enjoys a mild climate and offers a privileged natural environment, has become one of the best areas in Europe to grow fruits and vegetables.
CRICKET’s artichoke production season is from November until the end of April however the crop is in the ground for some nine months. They are currently working on different varieties and types of artichoke so it is possible to enjoy this vegetable all year round.
CRICKET, as with most growers in Murcia is under increasing pressure in water availability and as much of the growing area is on a gradient, they are very aware that much of the water applied is either lost to the crop through drainage or from surface run-off.
Trial Conclusion
For CRICKET farms, the trial proved that their light sandy ground and topography meant that much of the fertiliser and water applied was lost to waste and created issues of water availability and also pollution into the nearby river.
Integrate eradicated theses issue without having to compromise in yield or quality of crop and reduced overall pesticide use due to reduced pressure from disease.
Integrate saved 33% of fertiliser and water in the green artichokes and 50% in the violet crop grown on a slope. CRICKET farms have no moved to establishing commercial use of Integrate across all artichoke production.
