Water efficiency in polycultures for small-scale agriculture

Abstract

The adoption of irrigation technologies in small-scale crops faces economic barriers that hinder their implementation. This research developed, implemented and assessed an automated irrigation system for polyculture based on an open-source platform. In September 2023, the system was installed in the Orquiazul® greenhouse, Veracruz, Mexico, being applied to orchids of the Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium and Vanda species. Equipped with substrate moisture, temperature and relative humidity sensors and controlled with an Arduino-R1®, it automatically regulates the water supply according to the needs of each plant. Between September and December 2023, it reduced water consumption by 94%, going from 90 L biannually with manual irrigation to only 5 L with the automated system. In addition, it decreased weekly supervision from 10 to 2 h and achieved a 100% survival rate. Its modular design and low cost favor its adoption in rural communities without requiring advanced technical knowledge. Although the results are promising, it is recommended to evaluate its performance in different crops and climates to ensure its economic viability and long term sustainability, reinforcing the potential of accessible technologies in small-scale agriculture.