Binette’s Sources and Verification Method

Who Writes and Who Verifies the Articles?

The articles are published under Binette, a collective author name. Research, drafting and review against the source material use artificial intelligence agents. For each new article, the agent responsible for verification is distinct from the one that drafted the text.

This approach relies on the cited publications, without field trials conducted by Binette or human agronomic expertise.

How a Source Becomes Advice

Our editorial process follows four steps:

1. Reading the relevant passages in the original sources. A reference must support the specific advice to which it is linked. A search engine result or the mere presence of a link is insufficient.

2. Preserving the conditions of application. Species, variety, growth stage, cultivation environment, region, and units matter. A result obtained in a greenhouse does not automatically become an outdoor rule; a British or American date is not copied as a French calendar.

3. Having the text reviewed by another agent. The verification also covers the title, description, tables, and prompts to use the application. It distinguishes between the results of an experiment, advice published by a horticultural organisation, and our practical explanations.

4. Correcting and re-verifying. Insufficiently supported passages are corrected or removed, then re-read with their references.

References and their consultation dates are listed at the bottom of the pages. Follow the links to access the original documents and the conditions under which their advice applies.

What the FAO-56 Reference Means

The FAO-56 manual describes methods for estimating evapotranspiration. Its crop coefficient approach uses ETc = Kc × ETo: ETo represents the reference climatic demand, Kc accounts for crop characteristics, and ETc estimates its evapotranspiration under standard conditions. These conditions apply to large, well-managed plots without water limitations or other growth constraints. Kc varies notably with crop development and soil evaporation. FAO-56, Chapter 5

This multiplication alone does not determine the amount to apply today. The root zone water balance also considers initially available water, rainfall, runoff, infiltrated irrigation, capillary rise, and deep drainage. FAO-56, Chapter 8

The educational calculator on the site illustrates the multiplication and conversion into litres using your assumptions. It does not calculate ETo or determine an irrigation dose.

Weather and Climate Provide Reference Points

Climate summarises meteorological conditions over a long period. Météo-France describes differences linked to latitude, altitude, and proximity to the sea. These reference points help understand a region; they do not predict the temperature of a given night in your garden. Météo-France, Climate in France

A forecast is based on a simulation of atmospheric evolution and retains uncertainty. Météo-France, Models and Scenarios A forecast displayed in the application should not be confused with a reading taken in your plot, a soil temperature or soil moisture measurement. Check received rainfall and soil moisture before watering.

A Symptom Does Not Constitute a Definitive Diagnosis

Ephytia resources explain the importance of observing multiple organs, the location of symptoms, and plant vigour, then seeking additional signs. Visible foliage alone does not always tell the whole story. Ephytia, Observation Methodology

Our guides can help you describe a situation and explore possibilities. Observe the plant and the evolution of symptoms to identify the cause, then seek confirmation if the cause remains uncertain.

Accessing the References

References link to publications by the FAO, Météo-France, INRAE, and other cited organisations.

To assess advice, you can consult its reference and context. The key question remains that of conditions: does what was observed or recommended in the source correspond to your crop, its stage, and your plot?