Harvey Citrus, a well-established family business in western Australia with over 40 years of experience, specializes in cultivating and exporting a diverse range of citrus fruits, including oranges, mandarins, lemons, and limes. Renowned for their exceptional quality and healthy produce, Harvey Citrus faced the challenge of managing irrigation in plots that encountered water drainage problems.
The soil conditions in which they grew lemons posed a significant hurdle as excessive water retention prevented adequate oxygen supply to the roots, negatively impacting productivity and tree health. Moreover, the fluctuating daily climatic conditions further complicated the management of irrigation, as the plants’ actual water requirements varied greatly.
“SupPlant has empowered us to gain profound insights into our trees’ response to irrigation, enabling us to effectively address drainage issues in vulnerable plots. This has allowed us to mitigate waterlogging stress, enhance growth, and optimize irrigation cycles,” remarked Andrew Pergoliti of Harvey Citrus, Western Australia.

To overcome these challenges, Andrew Pergoliti leveraged SupPlant’s data-rich system to closely monitor the development of lemon trees throughout the growing season. He focused on establishing a correlation between soil moisture levels, climatic conditions, and plant growth. By diligently analyzing the collected data, he could readily identify instances where the soil moisture remained excessively high for prolonged periods, impeding growth and manifesting stress symptoms indicative of insufficient oxygen supply to the roots. SupPlant played a vital role in providing timely information regarding such situations, allowing Pergoliti to adjust the irrigation regime and prevent tree stress effectively.
An illustrative example of the impact of water stress on growth reveals that, on two occasions, the growth rate of the trees immediately improved after the soil was allowed to dry. This facilitated better air circulation among the soil particles, thereby ensuring an adequate oxygen supply to the roots and ultimately enhancing the growth rate of the trees.
The results of implementing SupPlant’s irrigation management solution were impressive. Despite the presence of drainage problems, the tailored approach to irrigation management, based on the plants’ responses, significantly improved tree growth. This approach also led to water conservation and the reduction of irrigation cycles, demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of SupPlant’s system.
Through SupPlant’s innovative technology and Andrew Pergoliti’s dedication, Harvey Citrus successfully tackled the irrigation management challenges associated with water drainage problems. By prioritizing plant health and employing data-driven insights, they not only overcame obstacles but also optimized their operations, achieving sustainable growth and resource conservation.