Research explores orchard spacing efficiencies

The variables involved with horticulture mean there’s generally no one set of practices which are ideal for every grower and every property. And new methods for growing better, smarter and more sustainably are constantly emerging.

The project Narrow Orchard Systems for Future Climates (AS22002) is exploring one such method, establishing research sites across the country to determine whether transitioning to narrower orchard systems could benefit pome and stone fruits. There are a lot of parallels between olive and pome crops in particularly, so the research outcomes could also benefit our industry.

Being undertaken by Agriculture Victoria, the work is exploring the use of narrow orchard systems with two-metre spaces between tree rows and the canopy kept narrow to expose fruit and leaves to enough sunlight for maximum yield and fruit quality. This approach has benefits for field workers, robotics, automation and sensing technologies, and has the potential to use less labour and energy, and to increase the efficiency of inputs.

Research outputs

The field research will estimate the benefits of transitioning to narrow orchard systems, with gains anticipated in marketable yield, as well as the accuracy and efficiency of sensing and robot orchard operations compared to existing tree training systems.

The project will also undertake an economic study to determine the profitability of transitioning to narrow orchard systems, comparing the benefits and costs to current standard practices within the industry.

You can find out more about the project, along with other projects in the Advanced Production Systems Fund, on the Hort website here.

Hort Innovation Frontiers

The Advanced Production Systems Fund is part of the Hort Innovation Frontiers R&D program, dedicated to developing innovative solutions to the major challenges facing Australia’s horticulture industry.

Teaming up with local and global innovators, Frontiers attracts private, commercial and Government co-investment to transform Australian horticulture and accelerate outcomes into the hands of growers. All innovations being delivered through Frontiers must consider at least one of the program themes: Healthy living, Adaptation and resilience, Market growth, Disruptive technologies (new, more efficient ways of growing) and Capability building.

Find out more about the Frontiers program here.