Rivulis: precision irrigation for asparagus and blueberry crops

A few miles from the Atlantic coast, in a region where sandy soils offer unique challenges, Darbonne Pépinière, a subsidiary of the PLANASA group, cultivates excellence. Under the leadership of Léo Denet, a passionate crop manager, the farm covers nearly 80 hectares of asparagus and 40 hectares of blueberry trees.

“Every year is different, and every crop is a challenge,” explains Léo Denet. Despite climate change, water management has kept quality requirements constant.

A challenging environment: sandy soils and moisture control

Darbonne’s main challenge lies in the very nature of its soils. Highly permeable, they require constant, controlled irrigation to maintain the moisture levels needed by the plants. “On these soils, the slightest mistake quickly takes its toll,” says Léo Denet. The goal is to provide the roots with just the right amount of water at the right time, without waste or water stress.

T-Tape White: efficient precise irrigation

For years, Darbonne Pépinière has relied on Rivulis T-Tape for irrigating its asparagus and blueberry crops.
Switching to T-Tape White, a more environmentally friendly option and a technological breakthrough, has reduced line elongation during the season and reduce calcium carbonate build-up, limiting clogging causes.

This technology is particularly well suited to asparagus cultivation:

“T-Tape allows us to deliver water directly to the row without feeding the adjacent weeds,” explains Léo Denet.

This localized approach promotes optimal use of water resources while improving the growth and quality of the spears.

Hydro PC: the solution for blueberries in extreme heat

On the blueberry plots, the Darbonne team opted for Rivulis’ Hydro PC, installed with a double irrigation drip line. This allows a greater volume of water to be delivered in a shorter time, a decisive advantage during periods of extreme heat.

This precision irrigation ensures healthy plants, consistent production, and better control over working time.

Strategic support from Rivulis

Beyond the equipment itself, Léo Denet emphasizes the importance of the partnership with Rivulis:

“Rivulis supports me in the strategic choice of T-Tape ranges installed on our crops.”

This personalized support, based on technical expertise and an understanding of field requirements, enables Darbonne Pépinière to combine agronomic performance and sustainability.

Towards more resilient and sustainable agriculture

The case of Darbonne is a good example of Rivulis’ values: putting innovation at the service of farmers to make every drop of water count. Thanks to precision irrigation and products designed to last, farms like Darbonne Pépinière are strengthening their resilience to climate change, while ensuring quality, yield, and sustainability.

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