Hortau

Hortau primarily provides efficient irrigation management solutions that involve measuring soil tension by analyzing the degree to which water clings to the soil to provide insights on available plant water and stress levels. The company claims that its service lowers water bills by 30%. Horatu also provides irrigation advice and scheduling and weather monitoring. The company reports that, depending on the size of the farm and crops involved, the price per acre varies from USD 20 - 40 for the first three years (includes equipment and monthly subscription fees). After three years, the company expects its price to decline to USD 5 - 10 per acre. Currently operating in the US and Canada, Hortau aims to offer precision irrigation services worldwide.

Hortau’s services revolve around its patented soil tension sensors which are deployed by the company to record and transmit real-time readings to a data station which transmits the data to an app-based platform allowing growers to anticipate plant stress and take necessary action to prevent further damage. The data is also be interpreted by Hortau staff for the creation of weekly schedules for growers to maximize yield and enhance productivity. Optimal soil tension parameters created for each crop based on growth cycle and farm operations—highlighting the flexibility of the service offered.

Hortau’s latest product, the 1K Sensor extended range tensiometer, is a patent-pending technology that manages deficit irrigation systems and tracks tension levels to optimize production. In 2018 the company also partnered with Agrian Inc, a platform providing data capture, storage, and sharing services to the agriculture industry to deliver precision irrigation services for commercial agriculture to Agrian’s partners. Hortau is also involved in strawberry, almond, cranberry, and lettuce research; using its findings to enhance yield, save water, and increase profitability.