Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/215151
M.G. Wagner Co., Inc. his doctoral work. He will take a viticulture research and extension job at Oregon State University. While the implantation of chips into trees and vines is most intriguing to Lakso, the chips can also be used to monitor soil moisture in annual plants such as corn and soybeans or vegetables. In general, annual plants are more controlled by soil moisture than are perennials. "In trees and vines, roots are all over and at different depths so it's not easy to predict where they are. Consequently, it's not easy to know where to put a soil moisture tester in an orchard or vineyard," he said. "Sometimes the roots are very deep. In annual crops, you know exactly where the roots are. In trees and vines, soil moisture is not the best measure; it's much preferable to measure the plant directly." Putting the sensor right into the trees or vines will also reveal some of the dynamics of the water flow system in them. "Water stress is highly variable and dynamic," he said. "Even a cloud passing over on a sunny day changes the stress level, so it's important to be able to measure it often." The microsensor potentially has other applications as well. Researchers as well as wineries such as Ernest and Julio Gallo Winery have expressed interest in the sensors, and interest is also coming from other industries. The sensors could be used to monitor drying in pro cessing of foods such as potato chips or oatmeal or to monitor curing of concrete in construction projects, Lakso said. R O O F I N G S P E C I A L I S T S Serving Central Washington for Over 75 Years •SERVING THE FRUIT AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES •DESIGN AND CONSULTING SERVICES •ROOF INSPECTION AND ESTIMATES AVAILABLE 1401 Hathaway Yakima, WA 98902 Fax: 509-453-0592 Phone: 509-575-0934 mgwagnerroofing.com References available • NOW SCHEDULING WORK FOR 2014 QUALITY FRUIT DESERVES A QUALITY RIDE! INC. Representing Over 30 Leading Nurseries in the U.S. and Europe Air-ride suspension conversions Flatbed re-arching, re-decking, shortening and air hitches. Hydraulic lift conversions. New and used straddle trailers, all sizes. New and used parts. Repairs and custom fabrication. CARRIER TRANSPORTS, INC. STRADDLE TRAILER MANUFACTURING AND REPAIR 509-452-0136 After Hours: JIM KUNZ 509-949-5904 www.goodfruit.com 1-800-421-4001 Call us FIRST FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF TREES AND ROOTSTOCKS AVAILABLE 2015 CONTRACTS N W nursEr e ies NEW , rootsto cks! STILL AVAILABLE FOR APPLES & CHERRIES c e es ar Servi ROEE! FGR WERS TO Future contracts for cherries, pears & apples; ALL ROOTSTOCKS. info@treeconnect.com www.treeconnect.com Tel: 503-538-2131 • Fax: 503-538-7616 GOOD FRUIT GROWER DECEMBER 2013 75