Reducing Pigeon Presence at Blueberry farm with Laser Deterrent

Location:	Molina, Región del Maule, Chile
Application context:	Blueberry farm
Problem definition:	Birds damaging blueberry crops
Bird species:	Eared dove (Columbidae)
Time of the year with bird problems:	October – January
Time of the day with bird problems:	From dusk till dawn
Number of systems:	1 x Agrilaser Autonomic 500 with solar panel
In use since:	November 2018
Laser projection area:	4 hectares (9,88 acres)
Production growth without Agrilaser Autonomic:	5 %
Production growth with Agrilaser Autonomic:	19 %

Laser bird deterrent effectively reduces blueberry loss caused by birds

Inés Espinoza is the manager of Agrícola Calandria blueberry farm. The blueberry farm experienced severe damages to their blueberry crops with the Chilean eared doves. To reduce their dove problem in an effective and environmentally friendly way, Agrícola Calandria decided to install an Agrilaser Autonomic, an automated laser bird deterrent.

“Birds have always caused issues at our blueberry farm. This year we have harvested more blueberries than the previous year. We already exceeded a production of 50,000 kg of blueberries with additional 2,000 kg to be harvested. We have never had this before. This means that the Agrilaser Autonomic works very well and shows great results!”, says Inés.

Inés adds: “I went to the blueberry field several times after the Autonomic’s installation and there were a few doves. Normally the birds cause a lot of damage but compared with this year the damage was reduced to a minimum. We managed to save more blueberries this year as well as drastically reduced damage to branches, leaves and blueberries themselves.”

Before installing the automated laser bird deterrent Inés Espinoza had tried many other bird deterring methods including classic scarecrows and plastic ribbons that make sound in the wind. These ribbons were attached to the bamboo across the field. Inés says: “It didn’t work, the bamboo bothered us during the harvest and it looked terrible.”

“The laser projects the green laser beam which is perceived by birds as physical danger. This makes the birds fly away. “I will continue using this laser technology and service. Last year we exported 20,000 kg of blueberries, this year after the Autonomic’s installation we exported 38,000 kg.”

Plant age (years)	Production (kg)
8 years	38,000 kg
9 years	40,000 kg	+ 5 %
10 years	42,000 kg	+ 5 %
11 years (without Autonomic)	52,000 kg	+ 19 %

Fertilizations are similar every year. The irrigation has never failed. The only difference this year with the rest of the years is the Agrilaser Autonomic.