Tradition, Transformation, and Technology in Almond Cultivation
Almond cultivation in the province of Malaga is an activity with deep tradition, but also one undergoing a complete transformation. For decades, almond trees have been cultivated in areas with complex topography, dry climates, and poor soils, generally under rainfed conditions, leading to limited production and difficult profitability. Despite this, it has been a key economic resource in rural regions.
Today, the sector is experiencing a modernization process: new irrigated plantations, greater technification, the pursuit of efficiency, and adaptation to the effects of climate change. In this context, the digitalization of irrigation emerges as an essential tool to overcome the main challenges:
- Water scarcity and the need for precise usage.
- Uneven terrain that complicates efficient irrigation distribution.
- Profitability: the need to increase productivity to compete.
- Sustainability: lower environmental impact and resource optimization.
SPHERAG offers a solution adapted to this new reality.
Pilar de Coca: 36 Hectares of Almonds Digitalized
The Pilar de Coca farm, located in Ronda (Malaga), has been dedicated to almond cultivation since 2020 and spans 36 hectares, distributed across 18 sectors. The terrain combines perfectly flat areas with others of steep slope, which presents a challenge when implementing a modern and efficient irrigation system.
In sloped areas, water pressure can vary significantly between higher and lower points, making homogeneous irrigation distribution difficult. This technical complexity is compounded by a very demanding climatic context, marked by persistent drought and the need to make the most of every drop of available water. Therefore, having a digital, wireless, and adaptable solution like SPHERAG’s has been key to overcoming these challenges seamlessly.
Francisco, the owner, knew exactly what he was looking for: an automated irrigation system that was easy to use and offered him complete peace of mind and control.
The farm had no prior installations, which was an advantage for implementing a solution from scratch. The installation was carried out quickly and without the need for trenches or construction work, something Francisco highlights as a very positive point.
Currently, Pilar de Coca operates with 7 SPHERAG Atlas 2 devices, which manage 12 valves and monitor 7 flow meters.
Thanks to this infrastructure, Francisco can manage the entire installation directly from a PC or mobile phone, wherever he is. “What I value most is the total peace of mind it gives me to know that I can supervise and control irrigation at any time,” he states.
Since its implementation in 2021, the system has operated without incidents. Furthermore, SPHERAG’s advanced programming functions allow him to adapt irrigation to the actual water availability, something crucial for ensuring the survival of the almond trees during campaigns particularly harsh due to rainfall scarcity.
SPHERAG: Technology that Addresses the Real Challenges of Andalusian Agriculture
Cases like Francisco’s demonstrate that irrigation digitalization with SPHERAG is not only viable but also perfectly adapts to the real conditions of the Malaga countryside: complex terrain, water scarcity, the need for efficiency, and the transition towards more profitable and sustainable models.
In areas like Ronda, where the summer is very dry, rainfall is concentrated in just a few months, and almond cultivation demands careful management, having tools that allow for automation, saving, and complete visibility is fundamental to ensuring the viability and future of the crop.
SPHERAG helps farmers make this leap with easy-to-use solutions, without construction or cables, and with a clear vision: for the farmer to gain in efficiency, sustainability, and, above all, peace of mind.
