Irrigation efficiency in the field: Innovation and sustainability.

It is estimated that about 70% of the world’s freshwater is used for agriculture, and every drop is critical to securing food supplies. However, many crops continue to lose more water than they actually use, which has an impact on farm profitability and environmental sustainability. In Spain, although more than 80% of agricultural land uses efficient irrigation systems, there is still room for improvement to optimize the use of water resources and strengthen the long-term viability of crops.

Precision as a driver of change

Within the business and professional environment, technology has proven to offer critical opportunities to increase irrigation efficiency. Moisture sensors, monitoring drones and artificial intelligence will accurately anticipate water needs and minimize water wastage. This approach, in addition to reducing costs, will generate a positive environmental impact and contribute to the future of the agricultural sector.

Why is efficient irrigation important?

Healthier crops, less water consumption and a more environmentally friendly footprint. For companies and farmers, the goal is not only to produce more, but to do so responsibly. It has been noted that agriculture accounts for about 70% of global water consumption, and that optimizing this resource is essential to ensure competitiveness in the marketplace.

Determining factors in irrigation irrigation management

Irrigation is not just about opening a valve; performance responds to several elements:

• Soil. The higher its retention capacity, the lower the inefficient filtration.
• The type of crop. Each plant species requires specific irrigation conditions.
• Weather. An increase in temperatures or evaporation will condition the frequency of irrigation.
• Technological tools. Today, the use of sensors, drones and AI is presented as a strategic resource for agribusinesses.

Intelligent monitoring: a window into water yields

Measuring tools enable reliable and continuous monitoring:

• Humidity sensors. They inform in real time about the water level in the soil.
• Drones and satellites. Quickly identify areas requiring attention.
• GeoIA and predictive algorithms. They detect leaks and indicate water needs in advance.

Effective strategies to optimize irrigation

Once the data has been collected, concrete actions should be taken:

• Upgrade infrastructure. Drip and subsurface irrigation increase efficiency.
• Automate systems. Smart valves will be programmed remotely to adjust irrigation to actual conditions.
• Fertigation. It allows combining water and fertilizer supply, avoiding waste.
• Renewable energies. The use of solar pumps will result in lower energy costs.
• Predictive AI. It is more cost-effective to anticipate incidents than to react when they have already occurred.

Benefits of implementing advanced irrigation

• Reduction of operating costs. The lower the water consumption, the lower the bill.
• Increased production. Crops that receive the required amount of water tend to give better yields.
• Ecosystem protection. Responsible water use mitigates pressure on aquifers and soils.
• Resilience to climate change. The availability of intelligent irrigation systems will facilitate adaptation to water scarcity scenarios.

Modern irrigation for a sustainable future

Optimizing water use not only strengthens business profitability, but also ensures the protection of natural resources and the continuity of agricultural production. At AGForest, tools such as GeoIA, designed to detect leaks in advance and manage water efficiently, have already been implemented.

The final question is thought-provoking: evolve to an irrigation system that increases competitiveness and preserves the environment, or let opportunities and resources continue to be lost? In an increasingly demanding environment, taking this step can make all the difference for the agricultural sector and its business results.