Case Study: Premium Durian Yields via Precision Watering

Durian is notoriously sensitive to water. Too little during fruit development leads to small sizes; too much causes root rot (Phytophthora) and poor fruit taste.

The Problem

A 5-hectare orchard in Kampot was relying on visual inspection to decide when to water, leading to inconsistent results year-to-year.

The Smart Solution

Chalatex installed soil moisture sensors at three different root depths across the orchard, connected to a central controller.

• Data-Driven Watering: Irrigation now only turns on when the soil moisture at 30cm depth drops below 25%.
• Disease Prevention: By avoiding overwatering, the incidence of root disease dropped significantly.
• Result: The farm reported a 20% increase in 'Grade A' fruit classification due to consistent sizing and better taste profile.