To establish a truffle orchard garden one of the main problems is how would you irrigate it. Also many owners don’t live close to the garden so to add to the problem – the real question is how would you solve remote monitoring and control challenge in truffle orchard.
One option is by adding a solution for smart agriculture able to apply remote monitoring and control of the irrigation in truffle orchards.
Here is our experience. We have used ThingsLog remote monitoring and control system. In our case there was already a borehole with a pump and a tank that could be used as a water source. So all we had to do is to control a valve and to monitor the soil moisture into the orchard.
Our goal was to maintain the soil moisture inside our Truffle orchard between 70 and 90 % through the season from May till October.
Here is what we did.
1. Truffle Orchard Design and Preparation
- Soil Requirements:
- Truffles require calcareous, well-drained soil with a pH of 7.5–8.3. So prior everything you need a proper location, where not only the soil is suitable but also there is water and reliable water source.
- Tree Selection:
- Use oak or hazelnut trees, which form a symbiotic relationship with truffle spores. In our case we have mostly Turkish hazel, linden trees and various kinds of oaks.
- Climate Suitability:
- Ensure the climate is conducive to truffle growth, typically Mediterranean climates with sufficient rainfall. In our case we are close to the Black see cost. It seems that all around Black see there are truffles, also in our area there are numerous places where there are black and also white truffles.
- Tree Spacing:
- Trees should be planted 3-5 meters apart to provide room for root expansion and truffle formation. Spacing depends also from the kind of a truffle – in our case for Tuber aestivum we placed the trees every 4 meters and for uncinatum quite closer.
- Truffle Mycorrhiza:
- Purchase truffle-inoculated seedlings to plant in your orchard.
2. Irrigation System Setup
While drip irrigation is commonly used in many orchards, it’s not ideal for truffle orchards. Sprinklers or hanging nozzles are better suited because they:
- Provide more uniform moisture distribution around the tree and its root zone, which is critical for truffle development.
- Mimic natural rainfall, helping to create a more natural growing environment for the truffles.
- Promote better aeration by keeping the upper layers of the soil moist without waterlogging the deeper layers.
- Water Source:
- Ensure a reliable water source such as rainwater harvesting, wells, or ponds.
- Zones and Valves:
- Divide the orchard into irrigation zones with automated valves to manage water distribution effectively.
3. Sensor Setup for remote monitoring and control of truffle orchards
- Soil Moisture Sensors:
- Install soil moisture sensors around the trees to monitor real-time moisture levels. In truffle orchards, keeping the soil slightly moist (but not saturated) is crucial. Our goal was to maintain between 70 and 80 % through the truffle season. We have used ThingsLog IoT data loggers model LPMDL-1104 2/4G with 4 analog sensors each – 2 moisture sensors – 5 sm deep and 15 sm deep during the first couple of years and two soil temperatures.
- Environmental Sensors:
- Use temperature and humidity sensors to monitor environmental conditions essential for truffle growth. Also we have a wind and rain monitoring placed on site.
- Flow Meters:
- Install flow meters in the irrigation lines to track water usage and detect leaks or irregularities. Again for the purpose has been used LPMDL-1104 but in this case with regular water meter with a pulse counter.
4. Remote monitoring and control of truffle orchards with ThingsLog
ThingsLog IoT devices provide a comprehensive solution for remote irrigation control and monitoring. These devices will collect data from the field and send it to a cloud platform over GPRS, where you can monitor and control the irrigation system from anywhere.
- ThingsLog Data Loggers:
- ThingsLog data loggers record data from soil moisture sensors, flow meters, and environmental sensors.
- These loggers store the data locally and transmit it via GPRS to a cloud platform, ensuring real-time access to all critical measurements.
- GPRS Communication:
- Using ThingsLog devices with GPRS modules, the system can operate even in remote areas with limited internet access.
- A SIM card with a data plan is inserted into the ThingsLog logger/controller to ensure continuous communication between the orchard and the cloud platform.
5. Remote Monitoring and Control Platform
- ThingsLog Cloud Platform:
- ThingsLog’s platform provides a web or mobile interface to monitor data, visualize trends, and control irrigation remotely. The platform integrates all the collected sensor data, allowing you to adjust irrigation schedules and monitor real-time orchard conditions.
- You can set automated alerts to notify you via email or mobile notification when certain parameters (like soil moisture) fall below critical levels.
- ThingsLog mobile app comes free of charge and is our main way to monitor and switch on/off the controller.
- Data Visualization and Analysis:
- Data from soil moisture, temperature, and flow sensors can be visualized on ThingsLog’s dashboard. This helps in making data-driven decisions about irrigation, reducing water waste, and optimizing truffle growth.
6. Power Supply Setup
- Solar Power:
- Since many truffle orchards are located in remote areas, using solar panels to power the ThingsLog devices, sensors, and irrigation controllers is a practical solution.
- Backup Batteries:
- Install backup batteries to ensure the system remains operational even during low sunlight periods.
7. Software Configuration and Automation
- Automated Irrigation:
- Configure the ThingsLog IoT controllers to automatically start or stop irrigation based on the real-time data collected from moisture sensors.
- Set thresholds for each irrigation zone to ensure optimal moisture levels across the orchard, preventing over-watering or under-watering.
- Custom Alerts:
- Set up custom alerts within the ThingsLog platform, such as alerts for low moisture levels, water flow anomalies, or system malfunctions.
8. Testing and Calibration
- Initial Testing:
- Test each irrigation zone to ensure proper water distribution and sensor accuracy. Adjust irrigation schedules based on the orchard’s specific requirements.
- Sensor Calibration:
- Regularly calibrate sensors to ensure they provide accurate readings, especially after seasonal changes or extreme weather events.
9. Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- System Maintenance:
- Regularly inspect irrigation lines, ThingsLog sensors, and GPRS connectivity. Replace any damaged components as necessary.
- Connectivity Troubleshooting:
- If GPRS connectivity issues arise, consider using a signal booster or switching to a more reliable network provider in the area.
Components Needed:
- A truffle orchard 🙂
- Temperature and Humidity Sensors
- Sprinkler System or Hanging Nozzles
- ThingsLog Data Loggers
- ThingsLog IoT Controllers
- GPRS Module (SIM card with data plan)
- A normal water meter with pulse output
- Solar Power System
- ThingsLog Cloud Platform (for remote control and monitoring)
10. Optimization and Scaling
- As the orchard grows, expand your ThingsLog system by adding more sensors and controllers to cover new zones or trees. You can easily scale the system without disrupting existing operations, and the ThingsLog platform will continue to provide unified monitoring and control for your entire orchard.
- You can also easily manage multiple geographically distributed orchards with one system.
By incorporating ThingsLog IoT data loggers and controllers and using sprinklers or hanging nozzles instead of drip irrigation, you create a more uniform and natural irrigation system for your truffle orchard. This approach ensures reliable, automated, and remote-controlled irrigation that enhances truffle growth while conserving water and reducing manual intervention.
If you are looking for advice on how to plan and setup the irrigation system in your truffle orchard and how to apply remote monitoring and control don’t hesitate to contact us.
