Netafim’s Precision Agriculture Center: Innovation from the Ground Up

A Dynamic and Interactive Showcase

What makes the Precision Agriculture Center truly unique is its dynamic nature. This is not a static display or a traditional trade show; it’s an interactive, living demonstration where we actively showcase various stages of crop growth and irrigation solutions throughout the seasons. The center allows us to demonstrate how our technologies perform under real-world conditions, providing visitors with an up-close look at how each innovation adapts to the specific needs of different crops, climates, and farming practices.

From drip irrigation that conserves water to systems designed to regulate temperature and humidity, every corner of the park tells a story about how technology is shaping the future of farming.

Other interesting experiments at the park

Agri-PV for vineyards: In collaboration with SolarEdge and SolarGik, a solar observation system has been installed above a vineyard to study the effects of dynamic shading on vine development. The research focuses on key factors such as phenology, water consumption, and both the quantity and quality of the harvest. With the increasing demand for green energy and the integration of solar panels in agricultural spaces, Netafim – a leader in irrigation solutions – is dedicated to providing its customers with the knowledge and innovative solutions needed to tackle these challenges.

Low-Flow Irrigation: Low-flow irrigation offers several hydraulic advantages, including reduced system flow rates, fewer distribution lines, and more efficient irrigation management. These benefits contribute to lower system and operational costs in low-flow irrigation setups. However, its effect on soil salinity accumulation, particularly when using saline water, requires careful evaluation. A previous study conducted at the Greenhouse Park, in soil without plants, showed that irrigation with saline water led to greater salt accumulation in soils irrigated with low-flow drip emitters (0.4 L/h) compared to those irrigated with higher flow rates (2 L/h). These findings were consistent across two soil types: heavy clay soil and sandy loam soil.We further examine how different drip flow rates impact salt buildup in the soil and explore strategies to mitigate potential salinity-related issues. Possible solutions include optimizing irrigation schedules and adjusting water application volumes to improve soil and plant health.

Collaboration with Edete  As part of our collaboration with Edete, a company specializing in enhancing pollination processes in orchards, we are testing their innovative solution, which involves applying electrical current to plants. This method aims to enhance mineral absorption and boost plant performance. The trial is underway at the Greenhouse Park, where we are closely monitoring its potential benefits, impact on plant development, mineral uptake, yield, and practical applications.

Root Penetration Testing: One of the additional experiments we are conducting at the greenhouse park focuses on testing root penetration into the drip equipment developed by Netafim. The objective is to assess the durability of the drippers and to validate their suitability for field conditions.

As part of the experiment, we examined root penetration into the Aries dripper with a flow rate of 0.8 L/h, comparing several protective mechanisms: a protective wall, a diaphragm, and a dedicated hole. We tested both root penetration inside the dripper and into the labyrinth area.

The results indicate that the diaphragm provides effective protection against root penetration, acting as an efficient primary barrier that prevents entry into the labyrinth area. Additionally, the diaphragm helps prevent the intrusion of debris such as sand and soil particles into the dripper, contributing to its long-term proper functioning.

The park provides an ideal environment for collaboration with industry leaders, research institutions, and startups. We are constantly exploring new partnerships that allow us to test new technologies and evaluate their potential for solving global agricultural challenges. These collaborations help us stay ahead of the curve in developing products that can meet the evolving needs of farmers around the world.

Educational and Immersive Experiences for Every Visitor

Netafim’s Precision Irrigation Center is more than just a demonstration site; it’s an educational experience that brings agricultural innovation to life. We host a wide range of visitors—from farmers and agronomists to students, industry professionals and officials from governments worldwide—all of whom benefit from the opportunity to engage with our technologies in a hands-on, immersive way.

During the tours, we don’t just showcase our technologies; we provide a deeper understanding of how they work, why they’re essential, and how they can be applied to improve crop productivity and sustainability. Whether you’re exploring vegetable cultivation, open-field crops, orchards, or greenhouse systems, each tour is tailored to the audience’s specific interests, helping visitors gain practical insights and knowledge.

What’s particularly exciting is that we’ve adapted our tours to be more interactive, offering live demonstrations of everything from irrigation systems to fertilization techniques. This helps visitors not only understand the technology but also see its direct impact on crop quality and yield. The hands-on nature of these tours makes the experience much more valuable for those who want to go beyond theory and see how these technologies work in practice.

Over the past two years, we have developed a course for agricultural students, approved by the Hebrew University, and taught by our top experts. The course combines both theoretical and practical elements and is entirely held at the greenhouse park. It is accredited by the academy, offering 2 academic credits.

A Hub of Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Netafim’s Precision Irrigation Center is a space where innovation, sustainability, and education intersect. It’s a place where visitors can see firsthand how smart irrigation solutions are revolutionizing farming, conserving resources, and ensuring food security for future generations.

I invite you to visit our center and experience for yourself how the future of agriculture is unfolding. Whether you’re an industry professional, a student, or simply someone passionate about sustainable farming, our park offers a unique opportunity to see the future of agriculture in action.