How to grow more with less?
In dry and arid regions every drop of water counts. It may seem like a cliche, but fresh, unpolluted, water is a very precious resource, because of it’s life giving properties. At a micro level of single seeds getting sufficient liquid to germinate to the macro level of seasonal weather data and migration patterns, we have a dynamic, connected, web.
IoT is revolutionizing water use, treatment and supply in arid regions:
- 🟩 Soil Moisture and Weather Monitoring: IoT sensors placed in the soil can measure moisture levels. Combined with weather data, IoT-powered irrigation can adjust based on real-time conditions. If rain is in the forecast, the system can hold back on watering, conserving water and cutting costs.
- 🟩 Precise Water Distribution: With IoT, farmers can adjust water flow and quality to match the specific needs of different areas within a field. This is especially helpful in arid regions, where some parts of the soil may dry out faster than others.
- 🟩 Remote Control and Automation: Farmers can monitor their pivot or linear systems in real-time, making adjustments on the fly. For farmers in remote, arid areas, this can prevent the risk of water loss due to undetected leaks or broken equipment.
- 🟩 Detecting and Preventing Leaks: IoT sensors monitor flow rates and pressure, alerting farmers if there’s an unusual drop that could signal a leak.
- 🟩 Energy Savings: Many irrigation systems are energy-intensive. Powerful pumps move water over long distances. IoT helps optimize energy use by running systems only when needed.
Looking out to the horizon
IoT, connected technology, solar power, satellite tracking, big data analytics, weather pattern tracking, soil and air moisture monitoring and predictive modelling are already here. In dry regions these tools can mean the difference between a good year and a ruined harvest.