Irrigation, a key Modern Agriculture practice, involves using artificial means like pipelines, sprinklers, and canals to water plants, particularly in areas where one can’t rely on rainfall. Water sources for irrigation typically include a variety of natural. And artificial bodies like dams, rivers, wells, ponds, reservoirs, canals, and tube wells, among others. As for timing, water quantity, application rate, and frequency, these parameters vary depending on various factors: crop type, soil characteristics, and season.
Luckily, modern technologies enable smart crop monitoring and assessment to help farmers plan watering wisely. For instance, plant water index values are used in remote monitoring to assess plant hydration needs. Indices like NDMI help in determining the appropriate irrigation schedule and volume for each field zone, increasing the chances of avoiding over or under watering. But before we move on to how that works, let’s see what irrigation systems are available out there today.
Irrigation Systems
Irrigation systems come in all kinds of forms, each unique in terms of features and applications. One of the oldest methods is surface or flood irrigation, where fields, often terraced or sloped, are flooded with water from sources like canals. In this system, crops are arranged in raised beds with furrows in between. Allowing water to flow directly to plant roots.
Pivot irrigation systems, a specialized type of sprinkler system, irrigate crops in a circular pattern using long lateral pipes supported by towers. Commonly used in large-scale farming, these systems are ideal for crops like potatoes, small grains, soy, corn, and forage crops.
Sprinkler irrigation systems, which is another popular farmers’ choice, distribute water through sprinkler heads under pressure, usually supplied by a pump. These systems offer versatility in coverage and can be fixed or portable, adapting to various agricultural needs.
Drip or micro-irrigation systems represent a more precise approach. Delivering water directly to the plant’s root zone through a network of pipes. These systems, known for their water efficiency, are especially beneficial for specialty crops like fruits and vegetables. However, they might be less suitable in areas with high iron content in water, which can clog the emitters.
Last on this list, sub-irrigation systems water crops from beneath the soil surface, often through pipes, ditches, or buried drip tapes. Though not as widespread, these systems are gaining popularity due to their efficiency in water usage and ease of operation.
Advantages of Smart Irrigation
In today’s world of increasing population and hence the food demands, precision or smart irrigation is a necessity. It implies the accurate and targeted application of water to crops, maximizing efficiency and crop yield while minimizing wastage. It encompasses various methods like surface and subsurface drip irrigation, micro-sprinkler systems, and Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI).
Precision in irrigation is renowned for its effectiveness in water conservation. As it allows for supplying water straight to the roots of plants, considerably minimizing evaporation and surface runoff. This promotes sustainable usage of water and aids in improving both the yield and quality of crops. More so, it’s eco-friendly since nutrients and chemicals are not washed away into the surrounding environment.
Energy savings are another hallmark of precision irrigation. As these methods typically require less energy for water distribution than traditional approaches. This not only translates into lower operational costs but allows for customized nutrient management, optimizing nutrient uptake and minimizing waste.
Smart watering also aids in effective weed and pest control by limiting water availability to weeds and keeping foliage dry to prevent pest infestations. It’s adaptable to field variability, catering to differences in soil type and crop health, and ensuring uniform water distribution across the field.
Precision irrigation utilizes cutting-edge technologies. Including sensors and meteorological information, for informed decision-making, optimizing both the timing and distribution of water resources. This approach is especially important in the era of climate change. As it allows for adjustments in response to shifting weather conditions, thereby maintaining steady crop output. Furthermore, the Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) technique in precision irrigation benefits significantly from the previously mentioned Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI). This index assists in evaluating moisture level data and tailoring irrigation to meet the unique requirements of different field zones.
Evidently, precision irrigation is not just beneficial for growers in terms of efficiency and yield. But it also plays a crucial role in environmental conservation and the long-term sustainability of agriculture in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Innovative Irrigation Technologies
Modern advanced plant watering technologies are offering more and more opportunities for growers to make sure they get high yields while using less of this precious natural resource. Among these advancements, smart irrigation controllers stand out. These devices utilize sensors and predictive analytics to automate irrigation. Tailoring water application to the specific needs of crops and soil while considering current and future weather conditions. They efficiently adjust irrigation schedules based on various environmental factors like precipitation, temperature, humidity, and wind, leading to significant water savings, reduced labour costs, and enhanced crop yields.
When it comes to decision-making and scheduling, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the best helper. Today’s market offers a variety of software that use AI algorithms for data analysis, offering invaluable insights on field state remotely. A digital farm tool that integrates NDMI data can inform growers on soil moisture situation in the field based on calculated NDMI values. AI algorithms can analyze complex data from various sensors, be it drones, satellites, or ground devices, to help farmers decide on optimal irrigation schedules. This leads to improved irrigation management, precise water distribution, reduced waste, and increased crop yields. These AI-driven systems represent a significant leap forward in precision agriculture. Marking a new era of efficiency and sustainability in farming practices.