Using a Pressure Chamber with Almond
The
Pressure Bomb allows you to monitor the stress level in the tree. There are many "shades of grey"
between “well-irrigated” and “water-stressed” trees.
The Pressure Bomb allows you to monitor these shades of grey
and keep the tree well irrigated during times of growth yet the ability
to stress during hull split and right prior to harvest to ensure a good
split and good release of nuts.
Using
a plant based monitoring system like the Pressure Bomb you monitor
exactly
what the tree is experiencing not just one of the environmental
stresses. Plant water stress is a sum of
four
environmental influences; soil moisture, humidity, wind and direct
sunlight or
heat load. While most monitoring
systems only monitor one of these influences, the plant based
measurement
takes all four into consideration.
For more information on irrigation
strategies, stress levels and data on almonds please check our Links Page. If you have never seen a
Pressure Chamber operate click here.
To view a picture tutorial using a
Pressure Chamber with
almond trees. To
watch the same tutorial
in video.
The next question is which instrument works best with Almond
trees.
There are four instruments that will work well for Almond.
Each
has different qualities that appeal to different growers.
The Model 615 is our newest instrument
and is the product of our customers input.
The instrument comes fitted in a dust-proof case that has 5
tie-down
rings for easy mounting on an ATV (4-Wheeler).
The 22 cubic foot tank is removable for quick replacement or can
be
trans-filled. The instrument comes with
a shoulder strap and bail-spring handle for easy transport by hand. The instrument is fitted with our
Compression Gland Sealing System which works
excellent with Almond. Please request the Almond Insert and
Gasket when ordering.
The Model 610 also has a 22 cubic foot
tank inside, but the tank is fixed and cannot be removed.
This instrument does not come completely
enclosed but instead is completely exposed for easy use.
This instrument is completely self-contained
and can be easily strapped onto the rack of a 4-wheeler or hand-carry
into the orchard. The instrument is fitted with our
Compression Gland
Sealing System which works
excellent with Almond. Please request the Almond Insert and
Gasket when ordering.
The Model 600 is also a popular
instrument. It does not come with a
tank and thus needs the Portable Tank.
This durable field unit is normally placed in a plastic box
lined with
foam or a blanket and strapped to a 4-wheeler when used in orchard
applications. It can also be
hand-carried. It is also fitted with
the Compression Gland Sealing
System which works
excellent with Almond. Please request the Almond Insert and
Gasket when ordering.
The Pump-Up
Chamber is a good low-cost alternative for a grower with
small acerage. No source of pressure is needed since it works
like a bicycle pump and the pressure is created by pumping the
instrument up and down. It is a highly portable and light weight
instrument. The pump is capable of producing about 7 psi or 1/2
Bar per stroke. When ordering for use with Almond request the Small Sealing Lid.
If you have any questions concerning the use of any of these instruments with Almond or any other crop, please contact us directly.
