07/06/2020

For several weeks now, we have worked with a few farms to implement a prototype of a new precision irrigation module. The module is the first of a group of tools developed by SatAgro to support farms in water management. To start with, we focused on reel sprinklers, which are relatively most popular in our region. Many models allow for dose differentiation by adjusting the speed of the hose reeling ended with a cannon.

The module for precise irrigation allows to optimize the doses by automatic division of the technological path into sections, according to the chosen dosing strategy. It is possible to take into account three sources of water demand variability: the condition of the crop, the water capacity of the soil, and the runoff associated with the topography. The result is presented as an interactive map. It can also be printed out in the form of a report for the operator of the rainwater terminal.

The module for precise irrigation allows to optimize the doses by automatic division of the technological path into sections, according to the chosen dosing strategy. It is possible to take into account three sources of water demand variability: the condition of the crop, the water capacity of the soil, and the runoff associated with the topography. The result is presented as an interactive map. It can also be printed out in the form of a report for the operator of the rainwater terminal.

Why is this module important? Anyone who has already worked with reel sprinklers knows that this is a serious logistical challenge. Especially if one has the ambition to use the equipment, and the limited water and time resources, optimally. We have put much attention to ensure that this optimisation does not translate to extra burden to the farmer. In extreme cases, it comes down to minimizing the losses caused by drought as well as the losses resulting from saturation and erosion of the soil water. The same time and cost associated with starting up the system can bring many more benefits in one place than in another.

The module will be improved for the rest of the 2020 season, and then we will introduce it to our standard offer. Farms that are interested in using the prototype already now are invited to join the testing group.