It is the time of year for the installation of multi-layered, above-ground strawberry plantations. These are designed and manufactured by the Italian company Combimetal Carrera, based in Policoro (Matera). While some are experimenting with these innovative systems for the first time, others are continuing to invest, confirming new areas for the coming seasons, with the intention of converting a large proportion of traditional farms over time.
Demetrio Nicodemo of the Nicofruit Group, a company known in Europe for the production and marketing of strawberries: "There are already two hectares above ground. We planted them about two years ago with satisfactory results. Ours is an ambitious project aimed at making strawberry production even more sustainable than it already is, focusing on the people who work daily to harvest, pick and grow the fruit. There are 5 new double-height hectares that we will be installing. The work is already underway and will allow us to plant almost twice as many plants as in the traditional soil-based method, with full remote management of nutrition, protection and irrigation."
Combimetal systems are characterised by 1 to 3 rows of adjustable gutters, supported by 2.5 mm thick, 42 mm diameter, hot-dip galvanised steel posts, 3-5 mm hot-dip galvanised brackets and fixing bases, essential to prevent the pole sinking into the ground under the weight of the gutter (7/10 thick), the bale and the plant production. Systems that guarantee reduced labour, uniform plants and fruit, and a clean and tidy production site. The company offers advice and assistance at all stages of installation.
Giusi Carrera, Sales Manager of Combimetal Carrera, explains: "The facilities confirmed by the companies for the 2024/25 season cover an area of 12 hectares. Assembly work will start in May and last until mid-October. The most interesting regions are those of southern Italy, particularly Basilicata, Apulia and Calabria. The double-row system is the most tidy, with gutters spaced 70 cm apart to avoid shading the plants and ensure uniform yields at different levels. Despite the fact that, according to growers, last season was not good, especially from an agronomic point of view, we are still seeing a lot of interest in our structures. The scepticism of many remains, but the positive feedback very often comes from those who trusted us from the beginning when we launched a three-row trench system for strawberry production at the height of the Covid-19 emergency."
For more information:
Combimetal Carrera Srl
Via Lido 3
75025 Policoro (MT) - Italy
Tel.: +39 0835 973481
Email: [email protected]
combimetalcarrera.it
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