Revolutionizing Tree Fruit Irrigation with Sensor Technology: Maria Zamora Re’s Presentation at Washington State University

Oregon State University’s Maria Zamora Re made her first public presentation to the tree fruit industry at a Washington State University field day near Prosser. The field day, titled “Día de campo: Importancia y manejo del riego en frutales,” covered various topics related to irrigation basics and management in tree fruit at the Roza research orchard on May 8.

Maria Zamora Re joined Oregon State University in 2021 as an assistant professor of biological and ecological engineering and an irrigation specialist in Corvallis. Her role involves improving the efficiency of the state’s agricultural water use, focusing on irrigation scheduling. At the field day, she explained how to use sensor data to schedule irrigation, demonstrating tools like tensiometers and reflectometry sensors commonly used in the tree fruit industry to monitor soil moisture levels.

Zamora Re emphasized the importance of keeping water above the maximum allowable depletion point to avoid water deficit in trees. By analyzing the data from these sensors, growers can make informed decisions about when to irrigate. Other speakers at the field day included WSU faculty discussing water use in horticulture, as well as vendors showcasing software and sensors that can automate the irrigation process. These tools work in conjunction with the information provided by Zamora Re to help growers effectively manage their irrigation practices.