The following case study describes an experience shared by one of our valued dealers, Sherena, in Southern Italy. It follows the installation of a 60 cm Sentek Drill & Drop probe connected to a Compact data transmission unit. The operation consists of a G3 Kiwi orchard on Hayward rootstock, planted in 2017, had begun to show the first symptoms of Kiwi Moria, as in Figure 1. Sentek soil moisture monitoring is generally installed to answer two specific questions: when to irrigate and how much water to apply. In this case, however, Sentek soil moisture monitoring equipment was installed to gain insights into below-ground root absorption and wetting volume.
Agronomists working with the farm identified multiple factors that were contributing to poor growing conditions, including soil type, a lack of ridging, rootstock selection and the existing irrigation design. At the time, the orchard was irrigated with a single drip line, creating a very narrow wetted surface, consequently reducing the area explored by the root system. The data in IrriMAX Live also revealed that the irrigation volume was excessive, as the depth of irrigation exceeded the depth of root absorption. For this reason, the farm manager opted for a double drip line spaced 30 cm apart and replaced the vibrating sprinkler with a 35 l/hr sprinkler positioned every two metres. This combination ensured greater uniformity of wetting and expanded the wetted surface (4 m diameter) whilst reducing moisture close to the trunk (see Figure 2).
Figures 3 and 4 below show the soil moisture trends in July 2023 (the first year of monitoring) and July 2025 (the third season after the changes described above were implemented). The main difference lies in the strength of root absorption, which in 2025 was very active within the top 40 cm, thanks to optimised irrigation management. The Sentek probe and software provided the basis for a better understanding of plant behaviour, aiming to create the best possible growth conditions, including a better water-oxygen balance.
The insights obtained via the Drill & Drop probe and on-site agronomic evaluations by Sherena’s team helped contain and stop the spread of Kiwi Moria. The farm is currently replacing all affected plants and is looking forward to improved yields and quality into the future.
