Development of a low-cost smart irrigation system for sustainable water management in the Mediterranean region

Abstract

Agricultural water consumption, constituting 70–80 % of global water usage, faces critical challenges due to climate change, diminishing rainfall, and a burgeoning population. This research presents the development and implementation of a low-cost automatic smart irrigation system for tomato and melon crops in the Tuscany region, Italy. The initiative, embedded within the DATI project, aims to revolutionize water management in agriculture, particularly addressing challenges posed by climate change, drought, and an expanding population. The study spans three vegetative seasons (2021–2023) and focuses on optimizing irrigation efficiency through innovative technologies. The smart irrigation system evolved from a conventional setup to a comprehensive solution, integrating evapotranspiration models, wireless sensor networks, and advanced control algorithms. Different irrigation treatments were applied, representing varying levels of water reduction. Results demonstrate a significant reduction in water consumption, particularly in the 2023 season, where the smart system utilized 50 % less water compared to conventional practices in the area. The system's evolution involved addressing and troubleshooting various issues, including sensor calibration, hardware challenges, and soil moisture variations. Soil moisture sensor data revealed the system's impact, showcasing higher levels in treatments with more water. The study emphasizes the economic viability of the smart irrigation system, with total costs below €6000. The scalability of the system, capable of managing multiple irrigation lines remotely, underscores its potential for widespread adoption across different field sizes. In conclusion, the developed smart irrigation system, driven by evapotranspiration models and wireless sensor networks, emerges as a promising and sustainable solution. The system offers precise irrigation based on crop water needs, enhancing water use efficiency and overall yields. While challenges in sensor calibration and maintenance persist, the study highlights the potential of smart irrigation to address water scarcity and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices.