Irrigation is incorporating Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things to improve its sustainability

HOPE shows the progress that has already been made by research groups in the past working in solar irrigation systems, the use of sensors and Artificial Intelligence techniques or precision fertigation systems have been used with conservation electricity in the community of irrigators, etc. The goal is to move to a model that combines the use of water and energy efficiently, the use of photovoltaic electricity to make energy independent of the water in the water and the quantity of the emissions produced by these structures, but also carbon dioxide. All of this on the path of moderate climate and the new agenda set by the Green Deal or the 2030 Agenda.

According to researchers Emilio Camacho Poyato and Juan Antonio Rodríguez from the María de Maeztu Excellence Unit of UCO (DAUCO), Miguel Ángel Moreno; and José Fernando Ortega of Agroforestry and Cartographic Precision at UCLM, four main objectives will be achieved.

First, the behavior of large pumps fed by mega photovoltaic power plants installed in community water will be analyzed. In this way, the goal is to predict the demand for water and its changes to the production of solar energy at any time, for the management of water quality.

By using pressure sensors based on the Internet of Things (IoT), an intelligent energy management system for water pipes will be activated. In this line, the work will be done with the “Digital Twin” technology that, through the digital printing of the real data obtained from the IoT sensors is used, allows to estimate the water How to use this water connection in high content, for example. This way, better management can be planned.

Taking advantage of Agriculture 4.0 techniques, a regional and advanced fertigation system will also create water and nutrients supply to the project as necessary and time, use the desired dose in each part of the grid.

Finally, a device will be developed that is able to quantify both the carbon sequestration of the soil and the crops from the 3D model of the crops with laser technology, as well as the conservation emissions produced by water and energy management strategies. Composing, in this way, the integration of the use of sustainable resources, saving costs and causing a low environmental impact.

With the development of this model, savings will be achieved in the use of water and energy. Based on experience, up to 70% energy savings and 20% water savings can be achieved, as well as a reduction in the water footprint and costs for farmers. In addition, the use of new technologies in the industry can support the creation of technology companies, as well as solar power companies due to the use of photovoltaic power.