An irrigation management system which allows for modulation of the watering gradient along crop rows. The system may include dual drip lines which allow for selection of gradients based upon the time each of the dual lines is active. The system may utilize pressure sensitive valves which select drip lines based upon the inlet feed water pressure. The system may include drip emitters which modify flow rates based upon inlet feed water pressure.

An irrigation management system which allows for modulation of the watering gradient along crop rows. The system may include dual drip lines which allow for selection of gradients based upon the time each of the dual lines is active. The system may utilize pressure sensitive valves which select drip lines based upon the inlet feed water pressure. The system may include drip emitters which modify flow rates based upon inlet feed water pressure.

A system for removing biomass from a stem includes a frame, a conveyor mechanism which moves the stem in a horizontal conveying direction, a pair of rollers which exert a rubbing force between each other for removing the biomass from the stem, and a tensioning system arranged to exert a force which holds the stem to the conveyor mechanism. A first axial end of each roller is connected to an inlet end side of the conveyor mechanism, and a second axial end of each roller is connected to a transmission such that the rollers are angled downward from the first axial ends to the second axial ends. The conveyor mechanism moves the stem so as to pass between the rollers such that the rubbing force removes the biomass from the stem, and such that the rubbing force moves downward along the stem as the stem moves in the conveying direction.

A system for removing biomass from a stem includes a frame, a conveyor mechanism which moves the stem in a horizontal conveying direction, a pair of rollers which exert a rubbing force between each other for removing the biomass from the stem, and a tensioning system arranged to exert a force which holds the stem to the conveyor mechanism. A first axial end of each roller is connected to an inlet end side of the conveyor mechanism, and a second axial end of each roller is connected to a transmission such that the rollers are angled downward from the first axial ends to the second axial ends. The conveyor mechanism moves the stem so as to pass between the rollers such that the rubbing force removes the biomass from the stem, and such that the rubbing force moves downward along the stem as the stem moves in the conveying direction.

A defoliating device (3) has at least two defoliating units (100, 200) which are located on the rear side of a common panel (7) of the device (3), the frontside surface of which panel faces a plant to be defoliated, , The panel (7) is provided with working openings (8, 9) or cut-outs, through which the defoliating units (100, 200), which are located on the rear side, act on the plants.The defoliating device (3) can be moved past the plants in a working direction, and where in each case two defoliating units (100, 200) having different ways of operating are arranged one behind the other in the working direction such that the units act sequentially on the plant region to be defoliated.

A trellis component includes a tubular portion, a connector adapted to be inserted within an upper end of the tubular portion, at least two support arms, and a crop line, which are arranged such that the connector is within the upper end of the tubular portion, the arms are within and extend outwardly from the connector, and the crop line is supported by the arms in an elevated disposition to in turn support a crop.

A trellis component includes a tubular portion, a connector adapted to be inserted within an upper end of the tubular portion, at least two support arms, and a crop line, which are arranged such that the connector is within the upper end of the tubular portion, the arms are within and extend outwardly from the connector, and the crop line is supported by the arms in an elevated disposition to in turn support a crop.

A detection device for metal stakes in a wire-trained plant-crop hedge having at least one detector configured to generate a detection signal when it passes next to a metal stake of the hedge wherein the metal stake detector has a first and a second metal detector arranged for generating respectively a first and a second measurement signal when they pass next to one of the metal stakes of the hedge. The first and second metal detectors are mechanically secured to each other in movement and arranged for being spaced vertically relative to each other. The detection device has an electronic management unit for the detection signals, configured for, upon detection of a temporal offset between the maximum variation levels of the first and second measurement signals, generating a signal indicating an inclined state of the metal stake.

A method of growing grapes comprising fitting a plurality of longitudinal sleeves to posts, respectively, each sleeve having at least one retainer; attaching at least two lines so that they are held by the retainers in an elevated disposition so that the lines at least partially support a grape vine; mechanically removing the lines from the retainers after harvesting grapes, each sleeve being secured to its respective post by fixing means so that the sleeves remain fitted to the posts when the line is being mechanically removed; pruning parts of the grape vine that remain with the lines when they are removed; and reattaching the lines so that they are again held by the retainers in an elevated disposition for further use.

A method of growing grapes comprising fitting a plurality of longitudinal sleeves to posts, respectively, each sleeve having at least one retainer; attaching at least two lines so that they are held by the retainers in an elevated disposition so that the lines at least partially support a grape vine; mechanically removing the lines from the retainers after harvesting grapes, each sleeve being secured to its respective post by fixing means so that the sleeves remain fitted to the posts when the line is being mechanically removed; pruning parts of the grape vine that remain with the lines when they are removed; and reattaching the lines so that they are again held by the retainers in an elevated disposition for further use.