A Digital Key to Unlock Irrigation Precision
Irrigation automation unlocks the full potential of precision irrigation and fertigation. Taking into consideration the level of precision we want to achieve in the field to truly grow more with less, we realise that only by applying the appropriate technologies, and managing these technologies optimally, can we use every drop of water and gram of fertilizer with extreme precision. “Even with a lot of effort and time, and the right precision emitter at the plant, 100% precise execution of strategic irrigation and fertigation tasks will not be possible without automation,” explains Nickie Theron, Digital Farming Product Manager at Netafim South Africa.
“This statement is not about labelling automation technologies as the be all and end all of precision irrigation. It is about understanding the role of these technologies in unlocking the full precision potential of other important precision irrigation technologies. It is about the ability to timeously and accurately execute irrigation strategies based on precise data.”
To illustrate the level of precision targeted, let’s look at two quotes from previous Netafim Knowledge articles, mostly focussing on the value of drip irrigation and advocating the efficient application of water and nutrients. The relevant question is: can the benefits and level of efficiency described in these snippets truly be achieved without irrigation automation?
“Efficient irrigation is about timely, need-based water delivery that integrates all influencing factors to manage the crop based on phenological stages for optimal production. A holistic approach is necessary where all data and impacting factors are integrated.”
“Precision irrigation delivers the correct amount of food and water to the plant uniformly distributed at the correct time and in the right place. It requires an irrigation system that is designed and installed with all resources and production goals in mind, with the aim of ensuring optimal production.”
Whenever precision irrigation is discussed, a lot of emphasis is placed on precise scheduling and knowing how much water to deliver when. There is emphasis on gathering still more data and managing irrigation systems with increasing efficiency. But what is the purpose of knowing when to deliver water, knowing the moisture levels of the root zone, and knowing what a plant will need on a certain day, if we do not have the tools to action the derived irrigation tasks.
Let’s say the data collected from the field and your knowledge of the soil and crop informs you, for example, to practice pulse irrigation with a pause of 20 to 30 minutes between pulses. You however need to open and close valves manually and cannot practically start and stop the irrigation system at the right times to carry out these efficient pulses. “These tasks must be actioned at the exact right moment to achieve the targeted precision. The valve must be opened to start the irrigation cycle at 9:00, for example, not at 9:05 or 8:55. Even if execution is possible, actions cannot be done with the right level of precision if they are done manually. The margin of error is just too great, leading to less precise application of water and fertiliser, and therefore wasting precious resources,” adds Theron.
But, says Theron, these technologies must be set up correctly. “We must ensure that every aspect of the irrigation system, such as hydraulics, necessary controller programming, and other aspects must be designed, set up and managed correctly to ensure the system can achieve the level of precision we want it to.” He further emphasises that digital farming solutions cannot magically turn poor irrigation equipment into an efficient irrigation system. “Do not forget that we still need to prioritise selecting the correct equipment for the job, from the head control room to the field. We must also remember to prioritise equipment quality in every decision.”
Beyond Opening the Taps
Controlling valves is the mere tip of the iceberg when it comes to how irrigation automation can affect increased irrigation efficiency. Digital farming solutions take responsibility for numerous important precision irrigation tasks, including EC/pH control, fertilizer injection, issuing alerts when parameters are crossed, taking actions according to parameters set, collecting data from the field for reporting, enabling you to manage a large irrigation system from one platform with a holistic view, making remote access and control a reality, and more. In short, digital farming solutions enable users to manage irrigation systems efficiently with minimal resources, even if these systems are large and complex.
The Road Ahead
Advanced digital farming solutions are becoming increasingly common on farms in Southern Africa. In this context, solutions master tasks such as integrating sensor technology and real-time data to adjust irrigation schedules. “The integration of real-time data and automation in irrigation systems is not just a vision for the future, it’s already happening on many farms across the world. At this level, monitoring devices and controllers are fully automated leading automated irrigation management. We see systems using sophisticated algorithms to analyse sensor data and adjust watering schemes in real-time. These technologies further enable farmers to leverage data-driven strategies to optimise water use, reduce costs, and ensure long-term sustainability,” explains Charl van Reenen, Agronomy Manager at Netafim South Africa.
“I believe the future of precision irrigation will be rooted in advanced, user-friendly systems that integrate all farming aspects into a single platform, simplifying farm management and empowering farmers to succeed in the competitive agricultural landscape,” Theron concludes.
A Changing Landscape, Led Locally
According to Theron the irrigation automation industry has changed and developed massively over the past 10 years. “In my experience the irrigation automation industry in South Africa is developing in quite a different way compared to other countries. The automation needs on our farms are driven by the fact that our farmers need to farm with extreme precision in order to be sustainable and competitive. The South African irrigation automation industry is therefore much more sophisticated than in other countries. Technology developers must align with farmers' evolving needs.”
A decade back, says Theron, advanced solutions were being applied in greenhouses, with precise EC/pH control practiced in these growing conditions. “Today, the same level of precision is applied in many open-field irrigation systems. This is because of the increased need for precision, as well as the fact that irrigation controllers now exist that can perform the necessary tasks to achieve this high level of precision for a much wider range of irrigation systems and conditions. The latter is, of course, linked to the overall development of digital technologies across many industries.”
“The development of these technologies is greatly driven by market needs, and I can honestly say that most companies prioritises staying aligned with the needs communicated from the field.” Theron stresses that digital farming solutions must align with sound irrigation practices, guiding the market to these practices where necessary.
Limiting Factors
No discussion about embracing technological solutions is complete, without acknowledging the limitations in adopting these technologies.
“System cost is always raised as the first limitation,” says Theron. “There is no doubt that these technologies are expensive, but it is placed in perspective when we view these costs in the context of both the total irrigation system cost and the crucial role it plays in the success of the total irrigation system.
Two other important limitations are the availability of electricity and signal (whether radio or cellular). “These are valid concerns, and a challenge we face every day when implementing digital farming solutions on farms. These limitations are however not impossible to obstacles. Existing technologies can overcome these challenges and new technologies are continuously being developed. Most importantly a farmer (and the irrigation industry) can always make a plan, as the Afrikaans idiom states.”
Lastly, technological literacy of users is a potential limitation. “This is easily solved by offering user-friendly technologies on the one hand, and diligently training users on the other hand,” says Theron.
It greatly depends on the team’s mindset. “Do they truly want to embrace technology, enhance efficiency and implement precision? If that is the case, any limitation can be overcome.”
Connected Control
Having mentioned the possible limitation of signal availability, we cannot omit discussing the role of communication systems that connect different digital farming components to make the many valuable automation actions a reality. “It is very valuable to ensure that a two-way communication system is in place to integrate all components in the head control room and field. This not only ensures that tasks can be actioned, but also that the farmer receives the necessary feedback on in-field circumstances and more.”
Focusing on connection methods, Theron reiterates that valves, for example can be connected with either physical wiring or radio, depending on whether they are positioned in the head control room or in the field. “This opens another discussion on the optimal placement of valves as well as dedicated versus shared mainlines. Relevant to this conversation is the reminder that any wiring outside of the head control room is a risk. It opens the possibility of theft, damage and leading lightning strikes to valuable equipment in the building. We focus on moving away from physical wiring where possible, to prioritise radio connection. Cloud connectivity also unlocks many possibilities where feasible.”
Digital Key to Unlock Precision Pontential
As mentioned, the true value of digital farming solutions is to unlock the full potential of the rest of the precision irrigation technologies in the irrigation system. “Installing advanced, quality drip irrigation, with an extremely efficient filter to protect the system, but not adding automation solutions or under specking this part of the system, amounts to wasted precision potential. It is important that automation, or the lack thereof, is not the weak link in your irrigation system.
This underscores why it is a priority for Netafim to place focus on this aspect of precision irrigation, adds Michael Esmeraldo, Managing Director of Netafim South Africa. “We cannot provide advanced drip irrigation solutions without also enabling farmers to manage these systems effectively and unlock their full potential. We must ensure that the farmer has access to all the precision irrigation tools he needs to minimise resource use and maximise yield.”
“As technologies, practices and research evolves, it is important that the irrigation industry continues to embrace advancements and make the necessary mind shifts to drive efficiency in agriculture,” says Esmeraldo.
Esmeraldo highlights Netafim South Africa’s commitment to delivering and advancing digital farming solutions. “We will continue to place focus on expanding this segment of our business. We strive to make technology adoption accessible and encourage farmers to adopt these technologies, driving efficiency and sustainability on farms. Furthermore, we will always focus on impacting the development of these solutions to ensure that solutions are well-suited to local industry needs.”
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