WAPPFRUIT—An Automatic System for Drip Irrigation in Orchards Based on Real-Time Soil Matric Potential Data

Abstract

Water is a not-so-renewable resource. Agriculture is impacting for more than 70% of fresh water use worldwide. Considering the increase of population it is fundamental to act in order to reduce water usage. The WAPPFRUIT project aims to design an automatic irrigation system, based on data of water availability in the soil gathered directly in the orchards. Matric potential data are used to determine the exact water demand of the trees, thanks to specific thresholds adapted to the actual soil and crop type. Furthermore, an electronic system based on simple, small, and ultra-low-power devices works together an automatic algorithm to manage the watering events. We tested this approach in three orchards in north-west Italy, comparing our approach to the one used by the farmers. The results show an average water saving of nearly 50% keeping the fruit production comparable to the reference solution. This approach is a clear example of how electronics and technology can really impact agriculture and food production.