Wawona had the vision to research and implement water-saving techniques prior to the start of California’s drought, which is now in its fourth year. As far back as 2010, Wawona has steadily incorporated micro-spray irrigation on a majority of its newly planted stone fruit ranch blocks.
Micro-spray irrigation is a distribution method that can reduce as much as 40% of water usage. Similar to drip irrigation, the low-pressure micro-spray application is delivered through micro tubing to a series of nozzles attached to risers, which slowly sprays water to the roots of stone fruit trees.
“This method of irrigation helps us manage our water usage so much more efficiently by assisting us with precise length of when and for how long we irrigate our trees,” said Marco Rinaldi, Wawona’s crop and pesticide manager. “In furrow watering, you have to wait for water to work all the way down the furrow before it actually impacts every tree along the way. And the trees closest to where the water is being distributed always get a better watering than the ones far away. There’s no question using micro irrigation is a better way [to water] and saves so much more of it.”
Additionally, Wawona has two water systems that recycle water used in our washing process. This allows the company to irrigate acres of grasses and grains used for livestock feed while concurrently replenishing ground water.
About Wawona Packing Company
Wawona Packing Company is a third-generation, family-owned business that was founded in 1948. Wawona currently farms in excess of 8,000 acres in California’s central San Joaquin valley and packs more than seven-million cartons of tree fruit and citrus on an annual basis.
Contact
Ben Vived
Wawona Media Relations Contact
***@wawonapacking.com
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