ONDO automates the irrigation and precise fertigation across 100+ ha of orchards near Balgarevo
ONDO has successfully completed another major irrigation and precision fertigation automation project, covering 100+ hectares of orchards near the village of Balgarevo, Kavarna Municipality, Bulgaria. The farm grows 166 000+ cherry, apples and nectarine trees, with the project encompassing the implementation of a complete system for remote, automated and highly precise management of irrigation and plant nutrition. The orchards are situated within a Natura 2000 protected area, requiring adherence to high standards for biodiversity conservation.
The farm orchards are irrigated by three independent irrigation systems, each requiring individual management based on the needs of the different crops and the specific characteristics of the irrigation zones. Despite the impressive scale of the farm, the wireless automation solution was optimally implemented using only 15 wireless AIR Point modules. This was made possible by the well-designed and properly sized irrigation infrastructure, the flat terrain and the precise planning of the automation system.
In two of the orchards, the automated irrigation and precision fertigation are managed by an ONDO Pro controller operating two three-channel FertiON fertigation units. The units are connected to four 2,000-litre tanks and two 5,000-litre tanks. The fertilisers are mixed both before and during fertigation using an Air Bubble Jet fertiliser mixing solution.
The cherry orchard is also equipped with an ONDO Pro controller and a three-channel FertiON fertigation unit connected to six separate fertiliser tanks. This configuration enables the application of complex nutrition recipes and the precise combination of different fertilisers according to the specific phenological stage of the plants.
The farm follows carefully developed nutrition programmes tailored to the different growth stages of the cherries, apples and nectarines. The high standards for fruit quality and flavour require exceptionally precise control over the quantities of water and nutrients applied.
To further optimise the irrigation, soil-moisture sensors have been installed, allowing sensor-based running of weekly irrigation schedules. This approach helps prevent both insufficient irrigation and excessive water application, ensuring that available water resources are used as efficiently as possible.
Irrigation water is supplied from a borehole and stored in reservoirs with a capacity of 2,000 m³ each. The irrigation infrastructure includes three main pumps with low-frequency control, automatic self-cleaning filters and pressure regulators. The filtration system protects the drip lines from contamination, while pressure regulation ensures stable, reliable and uniform operation throughout the irrigation network.
The automation solution integrated by ONDO enables the automatic execution of irrigation programmes, remote valve control and the precise application of plant nutrients. It significantly reduces the need for constant manual intervention, minimises operational errors and simplifies the management of one of the largest and most advanced orchards in the region.
Thanks to the precise management of irrigation and plant-nutrition processes, Fruktalina’s orchards consistently produce fruit of exceptionally high quality. The produce is primarily supplied to the local fresh-produce market through established retail chains.
We are proud to have innovative customers like this one joining our community of ONDO farmers. Thanks for the trust and we look forward to contributing to your continued success!
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