The increase in water stress makes it necessary to implement processes to achieve irrigation efficiency in the field. Currently, agriculture consumes around 70% of the fresh water available in the world. This significant figure places its optimization at the top of the pyramid of priorities to guarantee the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The excessive use of this resource also translates into an increase in the economic costs derived from crops.
GeoAI is emerging as an indispensable tool to revolutionize irrigation efficiency, ensuring efficient and responsible use of water . All of this with a focus on ensuring the correct development of crops. Below, we provide you with some key points to help improve irrigation efficiency in the field. Are you looking to implement innovative solutions to improve profitability and productivity?
Five factors that affect irrigation efficiency in crops
In many cases, the agricultural sector continues to apply techniques based on “popular wisdom” to develop its activity. However, the effectiveness of irrigation depends on multiple factors associated with crop quality and environmental impact. It is worth highlighting five factors that are especially relevant to achieving irrigation effectiveness in crops:
Knowing the type of soil is the first element to take into consideration. The water retention capacity of soils varies greatly. While sandy soils allow water to infiltrate quickly, clay soils retain water for longer, causing pools of water if not managed correctly. Determining the precise amount of water requires a thorough analysis of the crops and the territory in which they are located.
Irrigation systems are another of the great challenges of agriculture. Although flood irrigation can be inefficient, causing water losses and damage to crops, this is one of the most widespread practices. Furthermore, climatic conditions are undoubtedly especially relevant when determining the amount of water needed for crops. Temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar radiation directly influence crop evapotranspiration and, therefore, water demand.
Crops are grown in natural environments, so topography plays a decisive role in water management. The existence, for example, of steep slopes can lead to runoff and, consequently, considerable water losses . Finally, analysing crop conditions such as their water demand, typology or growth phase are crucial to determining the amount of water they need.
GeoAI to improve irrigation efficiency
GeoAI enables farmers to implement effective irrigation strategies, ensuring that every drop of water is used in the best possible way. Applying predictive and analytical artificial intelligence (AI) models to geospatial data, such as satellite or aerial images, allows for understanding the reality of the terrain and crops, helping to focus water use on the areas that need it.
On the one hand, this technology allows the analysis of the relative humidity of the soil as a whole, cross-referencing this data with meteorological information and the state of the crops to determine the amount of water needed by each area of the crop. On the other hand, GeoAI helps to carry out constant monitoring to adapt water use to seasonal changes and even to the evolution of crops, taking into account factors such as the cultivated species.
Four benefits of GeoAI in irrigation
In short, GeoAI has broad benefits for improving irrigation efficiency in the field . Its positive impact is not limited to farmers, reducing the environmental impact of their activities. Four aspects stand out as particularly relevant:
- Cost optimization: reducing the amount of water used for irrigation results in lower energy and maintenance costs, increasing the profitability of the agricultural sector.
- Increased productivity: Providing crops with the right amount of water at the right time helps farmers improve the quality and quantity of their harvests.
- Water savings: Improving irrigation management in the field helps farmers, regardless of their size, significantly reduce water consumption.
- Sustainability: Minimising water waste and avoiding the depletion of water resources enables farmers to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the sector.