Founded fifty years ago by the temporary union of a group of farmers in order to sell melons, the Cooperativa Bellaguarda was officially constituted in 1973 with its own head office, warehouses and equipment, says its manager Tiziano Caprioli. Today it has over 600 hectares of land cultivated with fruit and vegetables including watermelons, pumpkins, pears and the melons that represent the most important crop.
 
 
1)     Why are you specialised in the cultivation of melons?
Melons have always been the most important crop for the farmers in this area because here we have the ideal conditions to produce a high quality product.
 
2)     According to the climatic characteristics and the problems connected to the territory where you operate, what are the most common irrigation systems utilised?
Our area has always been rich in water and so in the past we have always practiced sprinkler systems that do not take into consideration the consumption of this precious element. Technical evolution, support from the co-operative society and the technical assistance given to the members have permitted a diffusion of alternative systems especially the dripper system.
 
3)     How much does a good irrigation system influence the final product and what are the benefits gained from the utilisation of a dripper irrigation system?  
Irrigation is a basic factor for cultivation and it has an important effect on the final product, on its hygienic characteristics, its water retention characteristics, on it flavour and its looks. A dripper irrigation system permits the distribution of an accurate quantity of water while avoiding wetting the leaves and the fruit so reducing considerably the number of anti-parasite treatments needed.
 
4)     In a complete irrigation system, a good fertigation system is also necessary. What suggestions could you give us regarding the techniques you have put into practice?
We project and supply irrigation systems to our members and for the aspect regarding the ratio of water and fertilisers, an aspect that we consider extremely important due to the small dimensions of our members farms, we suggest the use of systems of extreme simplicity.
 
5)     In your opinion, what is the most important component to be controlled in a fertigation system?
As I mentioned before, we use very simple systems made up of just a few, equally important, components. We expect our driplines to deliver water uniformly, to be strong, resistant to blockage and at a competitive cost that is relative to the performance.
 
6)     In the cultivation of melons, what are the spaces and delivery capacity most commonly used?
We use driplines with a delivery capacity ranging from 2.5 to 5.5 l/hm with spaces from 25 to 40 cm .
 
7)     Considering that in the Mantova area water is mostly used from the canals, could you tell us what has been your experience over the years with various types of filters?
Definitely the most common and reliable type of filter is a grit filter. We have experimented with automatic filters but we have not gained any advantage that compensates the greater complexity, the higher cost and the lower level of reliability.
 
8)       What has been your experience with the use of automatic devices for washing the filters?
Controversial, sometimes it has been necessary but in most cases a slightly over-sized filter is more reliable at the same price.


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