Integrated precision irrigation and crop protection system under climate change and reduced availability of water resources.

Project Code : Μ16ΣΥΝ-00578 AGROWATER

The Project

In Greece, 81% of water consumption is used by agriculture, which irrigates about 41% of the cultivated area. The majority of farmers still irrigate empirically, resulting in the waste or generally irrational use of water depending on the stages of development and the availability of water, since it does not meet the needs of crops nor ensures water economy as farmers tend to overirrigate when there is water in the network to feel “safe”. For this reason, the effective use of irrigation water does not exceed 65%. In addition, irrational irrigation in many cases leads to over pumping and/or see intrusion in the aquafers and salinization of the soil.

The proposed Intelligent Irrigation Management System (IIWS) will combine an irrigation advisory software (ZenIrriware) with smart electro valves, utilizing the weather forecast for its regulation, reducing crop damage from extreme weather conditions, and improving the quantity/quality of the products produced. The information for irrigation will be given to the smart electric valve and/or to the farmers by SMS or with a special application for smart mobile phones with the ability to give feedback. With the implementation of the system, there will be a saving of irrigation water of at least 25%, rationalization of irrigation and protection of water resources. This system will be implemented in 3 agricultural cooperatives in various regions of the country and with the appropriate actions to disseminate the results of the business plan, it is expected to be implemented by other producers in other regions of the country.