IoT network to water management in an irrigation district: Study case in Colombia

Abstract

One of the critical factors for crop efficiency is irrigation optimization. This optimization uses the knowledge of water dynamics in the soil to develop efficient irrigation programming. Previously, we described a prototype of a system that used soil moisture sensors to control the frequency and duration of the irrigation of a Limon Tahiti, showing a reduction in water and energy use. This paper describes IoT's use for optimizing irrigation for ten crops of socioeconomic importance in Colombia. Besides the soil moisture, the system also collects information on fruit growth and climatic variables. Results evidence a reduction in water consumption and several benefits for the crops, proving especially beneficial for small-scale agriculture.