A STUDY OF SPATIAL VARIABILITY IN A CHESTNUT ORCHARD (Castanea sativa) FOR PRECISION AGRICULTURE PURPOSES

Abstract

The aim of this study is to study the variability of apparent electrical conductivity, quantity, and quality characteristics in a chestnut farm. The experiment took place in a chestnut orchard located in Agia, Larissa, Greece during the 2022 – 2023 growing season (April 2023 – October 2023), and specifically from the stage of tree dormancy to the stage of harvesting. All cultivation treatments were performed uniformly according to the farmer’s protocols. Soil data and chestnut samples were taken and evaluated to measure the above-mentioned variables (apparent electrical conductivity, quantity, and quality characteristics). The results showed that there was no significant correlation between apparent electrical conductivity and chestnut quality or quantity. They also showed obvious correlation between quantity and quality of chestnuts (high mass means plenty of chestnuts and vice versa).