INNOVALMENDRO Operational Group: Innovation in the management of machinery for applying phytosanitary products for sustainable almond cultivation

Improving processes by generating added value compared to usual practice, INNOVALMENDRO proposes innovation in two complementary aspects:

1. Regarding application machines, it proposes adapting the equipment currently used (atomizers) to the specific characteristics of the crop (tree canopy volume and planting frame).
2. Regarding treatment management, it proposes the development of an agrochemical use management system that serves as a tool for technicians and farmers to monitor (follow-up and analysis), control (corrective measures), and trace the application of phytosanitary products in the field.

INNOVALMENDRO will allow:

• Know at all times (application map) how the application of phytosanitary products has been carried out on the specific plot defined by the user (farmer or technician) and whether the calculated volume data (based on the objective needs of the plantation, not on experience) are those actually applied at each point or if, on the contrary, there have been errors that need to be corrected.
• Assign an electronic reference (QR tag or similar) to harvested products (almonds) that makes it possible to identify their entire history within the same (for example, the actual quantity (l/ha) obtained from the sensors on board the sprayer, received for the almonds sold, will be known), allowing the consumer to verify that the phytosanitary treatments have been carried out correctly and sustainably. Finally, the system will have decision-making tools, and the records can be incorporated into other management programs such as field logs or ERP systems.