Implementing a precision irrigation system in broccoli cultivation

Greece has limited water resources, and frequent bouts of drought have made saving water a pressing need. An EU project has focused on rational use of irrigation water with modern, innovative tools in broccoli cultivation, with the goal of preventing major impacts on the soil, the crop itself and the environment overall. More specifically, experience-based irrigation and fertilisation methods continue to be widely used in many places. However, these practices entail risks, such as water deterioration and pollution, all while increasing the environmental impact of farming.

Employing innovative technologies, the project aims to adopt reduced-input farming and enable farms to receive specific quantities of supplies depending on their needs. As part of the project, an innovative system was developed to collect climate, soil and crop need data produced by sensors. Additionally, a control system was developed to continuously monitor conditions and adjust inputs using innovative technology. These practices saved water and reduced waste. In addition, the rational use of irrigation water led to reduced fertiliser and chemical leaching, thus limiting water pollution and contributing to natural resource preservation. Among other things, proper input management preserved soil fertility and prevented its deterioration.

Furthermore, the implementation of technology that enabled rational water use reduced the risk of crop diseases associated with excessive moisture. This further bolstered crop health. In conclusion, innovation practices can make agriculture more efficient and environmentally friendly by ensuring the rational use of chemical inputs.