Strategies to Optimize Productivity in Irrigated Woody Crops

By Juan Vilar, strategic consultant.

The Earth's surface, 510 million square kilometers, is made up of 149 million square kilometers of land and 361 million square kilometers of water. Of the total water, 97% is salty and is found in oceans and seas. Only 1% of the remaining water is fresh and accessible, as 2% is in the polar caps and other inaccessible sources. This means that only 0.7% of the total land surface is made up of available freshwater, which is mainly distributed in lakes (52%), rivers (10%) and other sources such as surface aquifers (38%).

The use of water is distributed as follows: more than 83% is destined for agriculture and livestock, only 2% for industrial use, 13% for human consumption and the rest for other uses such as recreational navigation, aquaculture. and water transport.

Irrigated agriculture, which represents 20% of the total arable area (1.5 billion square kilometers), produces more than 80% of the dryland cultivated area. This not only demonstrates the vital importance of water for agriculture, but also generates wealth, biodiversity, population stability and well-being.

According to data from the United Nations, it is expected that by the end of the century the world population will reach 11 billion people. In that scenario, each person would have only 0.13 hectares of arable land per year to feed themselves, and access to drinking water would be extremely limited.

In terms of woody crops, the planet has 73 million hectares, of which 32% are irrigated and 68% rainfed. Irrigated crops are more productive, support a larger population and generate greater income and wealth.

In the current context, where more food resources are required with less surface area and limited labor, the use of innovative products such as Terra-Sorb root SymBiotic® from Bioiberica is crucial. This probiotic biostimulant guarantees higher productions, superior vigor and is suitable for all types of woody plantations, such as almond trees, olive trees and pistachios. Furthermore, in new plantations, it allows better rooting and vigor of the plant, accelerating its entry into production.

Anticipate and ensure productivity by using SymBiotic® root Terra-Sorb through localized fertigation. Bioiberica, a leader in biostimulants for 35 years, offers this innovative solution to maximize the yield of your woody crops.