IrriSmart - Frost Protection Solutions The Problem SPRING (RADIATION) FROST This Typically occurs during the springtime when a combination of cloudless nights with little or no wind, low humidity and low temperatures generate sub-zero conditions for an extended period. Damage from spring frosts may range from damaged buds or flowers, ruined or poor crop quality and even full vine loss. The Solution - Overhead Strip Sprinkler systems How Does it work? During a radiation frost, vines are continuously sprayed with water above the canopy. This process creates triple protection: • Microclimate around the vines • Release of latent heat • Thin layer of ice that protects the inner cells of the crop. Advantages Compared to other sprinkler systems. - Low flow strip sprinkler reduces pipe and pump size requirements - Up to 50% less water usage compared to other strip frost protection systems - Lower pumping operating cost - Lower labour and machinery operating costs - Automatic temperature activated control Compered to Orchard Heaters Orchard heaters Creates 40,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) per litter of fuel Overhead sprinklers Creates 4.4 million British Thermal Units (BTU) per litre of pump fuel