Getting Irrigation Right: Basics for Better Orchard Performance – Coenraad Fraenkel & Jaco Lindeque

In this Citrus Research International (CRI) Podcast, Coenraad Fraenkel, Area Extension Manager for the Western and Northern Cape, and Jaco Lindeque, Production Manager at Groep 91, discuss one of the most influential – and most often underrated – crop manipulation tools influencing citrus performance: irrigation.

Coenraad explains how incorrect irrigation remains a leading cause of poor orchard performance across South Africa. Through CRI’s national irrigation courses and field diagnostics, the team repeatedly found that many tree health problems traced back to over-irrigation, poor system maintenance, and a lack of soil observations.

Jaco shares the practical journey of transforming irrigation management at farm level using simple tools, consistent planning, and disciplined auditing. By adopting basic practices like regular soil augering, checking root depth and health, verifying system pressure, and using probes to audit rather than replace decision-making, his team achieved measurable improvements in yield, water use efficiency and production consistency - even in difficult, high-clay soils.

Both guests emphasise the same message:
Irrigation success comes from getting the basics right, not only relying on technology .
Have a plan. Execute it consistently. Audit it honestly. Repeat it.

This episode is essential for any grower wanting to improve fruit quality, reduce wasted inputs, and strengthen long-term orchard performance.

About the CRI Podcast
The CRI Podcast features interviews with leading researchers and extension experts from Citrus Research International, highlighting the science and field innovation that keep southern Africa’s citrus industry competitive and sustainable.