Measuring Smart Pear Growth: How a Twig in Hageland Underscores the Importance of Field Control
Pear cultivation is a profession of precision. Every millimeter of growth counts, especially in a season where the weather is erratic and the market demands top quality. With the WolkyTolky dendrometers, we measure the daily growth of pears in five leading fruit regions in the Netherlands and Belgium: North Holland, Betuwe, Zeeland, Hageland, and Haspengouw. This data not only gives growers insight into the current growth but also makes it possible to compare regions with each other and quickly intervene in the event of deviations.
Remarkable growth figures in Hageland
In recent weeks, we noticed something special in the data from Hageland. Where growth in the other regions proceeded steadily and predictably, we saw an increasingly rapid increase in pear diameter in Hageland. Initially, it seemed like a favorable sign: the pears were growing faster there than elsewhere. But as the days passed, the growth became increasingly out of step with the rest of the regions. Where fellow growers in the Netherlands and Belgium saw growth of about 3.5 to 4.2 mm per week, Hageland shot up with values that were simply no longer realistic.
Data as a signal: when figures call for action
This is precisely where the power of continuous monitoring and regional comparison comes to the fore. Thanks to the WolkyTolky systems, we immediately saw that something was wrong. The data acted as an alarm signal: why is the pear growing so much faster in Hageland? Is there a unique microclimate, a different soil, or… is something else going on?
Visual inspection: the indispensable link
Because the figures deviated so remarkably, we decided to carry out a visual inspection of the sensor in Hageland. And there the cause quickly became clear: a small twig had ended up between the sensor and the pear. This twig grew with the pear, causing the sensor to register an ever-increasing diameter than was actually the case. The result: an artificially high growth curve that did not correspond to reality.
After removing the twig, we immediately saw that the growth figures fell back within the bandwidth of the other regions. The measurement error was resolved, and the data was reliable again.
General growth in week 30
The growth figures for week 30 show that the pears in North Holland, Betuwe, Zeeland, and Haspengouw have all grown between 3.5 and 4.2 mm. This is healthy, stable growth for this phase of the season. It underlines that the conditions in these regions are favorable for an even development of the fruit. Thanks to continuous monitoring with WolkyTolky, growers can closely monitor this growth and respond to any deviations in good time.
Learning from the field: technology and practical knowledge
This practical example shows how important it is to combine technology and practical knowledge. WolkyTolky offers growers the opportunity to monitor their crops 24/7, quickly identify deviations, and take targeted action. But it also shows that regular visual inspection in the field remains indispensable. A sensor is only as smart as the environment in which it is placed – and sometimes a simple field inspection is the key to reliable data.
The importance of reliable data for the grower
Reliable growth data is essential for making the right cultivation decisions. They help in determining the optimal harvest time, estimating the yield, and timely signaling stress factors such as drought or diseases. But as this example from Hageland shows, it is also important to remain alert to possible measurement errors. By taking deviations in the data seriously and quickly checking them in the field, you avoid incorrect conclusions and can confidently steer based on data.
WolkyTolky: your partner in precision agriculture
With WolkyTolky, you are assured of current, reliable, and directly usable data. Our systems are easy to install, provide insight remotely, and make it possible to respond quickly to changes in the crop. And thanks to the regional comparison, you can see at a glance whether your pears are in step with other growers – or whether there is reason to take a closer look.
Would you like to know more about how WolkyTolky can support your cultivation? Or are you curious about the possibilities of our dendrometers and other sensors? Please feel free to contact us.
Together we ensure smart, reliable, and profitable pear cultivation!