As part of the An-Gel Sudoe project, the IRTA team is conducting a pilot trial in the areas of Mollerussa and Raimat (Lleida) to identify practical solutions to reduce the impact of spring frosts on apple orchards and vineyards. Late frosts pose an increasing risk to agriculture in southwestern Europe, especially under ongoing climate change.
The trial evaluates different frost-protection strategies, including the use of cover crops, surface irrigation and natural paraffin-based treatments. These practices are being tested under real field conditions using advanced tools such as sensors, weather stations and thermal cameras.
In January 2025, a thermal drone flight was carried out, already showing temperature differences between treated and untreated plots. This trial is one of the pilot actions of the An-GEL project, aimed at supporting the agricultural sector in addressing extreme climate events such as spring frosts.