Using Widhoc technology—based on the D-Wide data logger equipped with soil and environmental sensors—the companies participating in the Task Force “Application of Machine Learning Techniques for Efficient Irrigation Management in Horticultural Crops” have managed to reduce water use by up to 40%</ (compared to data from previous years using traditional irrigation) in lettuce, cauliflower, and melon crops, as was demonstrated at the event to present the Operational Group’s results held on June 22 at the Agrícola Levante Sur – Jimbo Fresh facilities in La Puebla, Cartagena.
Jimbo Fresh, Agrícola La Asomada, and Agrícola León, the companies that make up the Operational Group, have found that the D-Wide system not only maintains production while saving water, but in some cases has even increased it, as noted by Honorio Navarro, CTO of Widhoc.
For this project, the D -Wide is equipped with two matrix potential sensors installed at two different depths, which allow us to determine the soil’s water status in the area of highest root density (root length per soil volume) of the plant, and a volumetric water content sensor installed at depth, which allows us to determine whether leaching occurs due to drainage. It also includes a flow meter that records both the irrigation duration and the volume of water applied.
The goal of this project, carried out by Widhoc since 2019, is to implement and validate a tool for monitoring and providing intelligent support for farmers’ irrigation decisions, enabling them to maintain optimal soil moisture levels in horticultural crops, minimizing water losses through drainage and preventing nutrient leaching, which depletes the soil and contributes to groundwater contamination.
D-Wide enables efficient and sustainable irrigation, and reduces energy consumption; it also provides 24/7, year-round remote access to key crop data from anywhere.
The system is fully self-contained, easy to install and operate, making it simple to relocate as needed to accommodate the requirements of crop cycles in different fields. D-Wide is suitable for use outdoors or in greenhouses and does not interfere with farming operations. In addition, Widhoc offers technical support, consulting, and equipment maintenance services.
The D-Wide data logger is presented as a solution for complying with Law 3/2020 on the Recovery and Protection of the Mar Menor, both in terms of providing information on the actual volume of water supplied and monitoring its use for irrigation, as well as regarding the additional restrictions associated with it.
The results of the Task Force were presented by María Manchado, Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering and Director of the Technical and Commercial Department at Widhoc Smart Solutions. The presentation was a great success, with an audience of about 60 people, including agricultural technicians, cooperative members, and farmers.
