Key Takeaways:
- Dubois Agrinovation specializes in precision irrigation, fertigation, and water treatment for field-scale tunnels used in soft fruit production.
- Custom drip irrigation systems, integrated with filtration and pH control, enable tailored nutrient delivery for varying soil conditions.
- Rainwater harvesting reduces operational costs and promotes sustainability by conserving local water resources.
- Dubois’s technologies are optimized for soilless and substrate-based systems, including reverse osmosis and smart irrigation tools.
- A new partnership with Harnois Greenhouses delivers turnkey CEA solutions using the high-performance TunnelPro Plus structure.
Precision Irrigation for Tunnel-Grown Soft Fruits
Québec-based Dubois Agrinovation is helping North American soft fruit growers tackle water efficiency challenges head-on. According to Martin Charbonneau, VP of Sales and Marketing, field-scale tunnel systems for strawberries and raspberries benefit greatly from precision drip irrigation and fertigation.
These systems deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation and boosting efficiency—particularly critical under tunnel covers where moisture levels must be carefully managed. Drip layout and emitter spacing are tailored to site-specific conditions, with soil texture and water quality informing system design.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all. Sandy soils need closer spacing, heavier soils allow more distance—customization is key,” said Charbonneau.
Filtration and integrated pH-controlled fertigation help growers maintain nutrient balance and protect system longevity.
Sustainable Solutions: Rainwater Harvesting in Action
Dubois also promotes rainwater harvesting as a complementary strategy for irrigation. Collecting and treating rainwater stored in reservoirs can reduce reliance on well or municipal sources—lowering costs and building resilience.
Rainwater systems are particularly valuable in regions facing water scarcity or regulatory pressures, allowing growers to maintain production and lessen their environmental impact.
“Rainwater harvesting boosts autonomy while enhancing sustainability. It’s a practical step toward long-term farm viability,” said Charbonneau.
Addressing Soilless System Complexities
For growers using substrate-based systems, precision matters even more. These systems depend entirely on delivered inputs, making water quality, salinity, and nutrient delivery vital to plant health.
Dubois offers tailored reverse osmosis systems to manage salinity and custom water treatment based on local water profiles. They also deploy smart tools like humidity sensors, automation controllers, and real-time fertigation platforms to optimize timing and reduce overwatering.
“Over- or under-irrigation can quickly affect quality. With automation, we give growers control and confidence,” Charbonneau explained.
The Harnois Partnership: Building the Next Generation of Tunnel Systems
To offer an integrated infrastructure solution, Dubois has partnered with Harnois Greenhouses, known for its durable, high-performance TunnelPro Plus polytunnel structures.
The TunnelPro Plus features:
- A Gothic-roof design for wind resistance
- Galvanized steel framing with oval tubing
- Integrated rain gutters and screw pile foundations
- Up to 18 feet of clearance, suitable for farm machinery
Together, the Dubois-Harnois partnership delivers a full package of irrigation, fertigation, and protected structure solutions to North American berry growers seeking yield stability, efficiency, and season extension.
“This partnership makes turnkey tunnel farming solutions more accessible—without compromising on quality or adaptability,” said Charbonneau.
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