Precise irrigation scheduling is essential to optimize water use in woody crops such as almond. This four-year study evaluated an irrigation strategy based on evapotranspiration estimated using LiDAR sensors and thermography in a commercial almond orchard (cv. Lauranne). Four treatments were compared, including over-irrigation and water deficit scenarios. Results showed that irrigation matched to actual evapotranspiration (control) maximized yield (2800 kg/ha), while neither over-irrigation nor deficit strategies improved productivity. Advanced technologies proved critical for informed decision-making. The study underscores the importance of long-term field trials to support more efficient and sustainable agriculture.

This study evaluates how variability in almond tree canopy size affects water use and yield. Using LiDAR-derived structural data, researchers compared two irrigation models: one accounting for individual tree canopy differences and another assuming uniform tree size. Results show that considering canopy variability can achieve near-maximum yields (~95%, ~2000 kg/ha) with 10–15% less water (550–600 mm vs. >700 mm). Marginal Water Productivity also declined more quickly under the heterogeneous model. Ignoring within-sector variability leads to overestimated irrigation needs and reduced efficiency. Incorporating structural variability improves water-yield modeling and enhances irrigation scheduling—even without variable-rate irrigation systems.

El Grupo Operativo Smart Almond nace con la intención de hacer más sostenible y eficiente el cultivo del almendro, aprovechando las ventajas de la digitalización y el uso responsable del agua. Basándose en experiencias anteriores, que demostraron cómo tecnologías como la teledetección y los sensores ayudan a entender mejor el balance hídrico del suelo y a tomar mejores decisiones de riego, el proyecto busca ahora llevar esta metodología a más fincas piloto que sirvan como ejemplo para otros agricultores. En este artículo se explican los aspectos técnicos de este enfoque y se muestran los resultados obtenidos en una finca comercial, como es el caso del Cortijo La Reina