Irregular droughts and antiquated ways of irrigation both present real challenges to farming in many of the African countries. Some of the newer techniques used in Asia and the Americas have not been employed. This is an area that IAAW would take on as projects.
Smart irrigation controllers further utilize data from sensors and weather modeling to automate irrigation schedules, ensuring optimal water usage.Smart irrigation controllers are highly efficient and can save up to 50% of the water used for (crop) irrigation compared to conventional irrigation systems.
Crop and soil sensors enable precise monitoring of moisture levels and nutrient content to optimize irrigation strategies. Micro-irrigation techniques deliver water directly to the plant roots, reducing water wastage and enhancing efficiency. Additionally, renewables-based irrigation systems harness solar or wind energy to power pumps and irrigation processes, promoting sustainability. Advanced water pumps enhance water distribution by reducing energy and water consumption. Smart irrigation controllers further utilize data from sensors and weather modeling to automate irrigation schedules, ensuring optimal water usage. Further, remote monitoring and leak detection systems enable real-time monitoring and rapid response to water leaks. Lastly, soil modification techniques enhance soil quality and water retention capacity while water enrichment technologies improve water quality for irrigation purposes.Conventional flood irrigation or overhead sprinklers are inefficient means of irrigation. Micro-irrigation solutions, on the other hand, deliver water directly to the root zone of plants in a controlled and precise manner. Startups are developing micro-irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and micro-sprinklers which deliver water slowly and evenly. This minimizes water runoff and evaporation. Such systems also enable targeted irrigation, reducing water usage by providing water directly to the plants. By improving water efficiency and minimizing water loss, micro-irrigation conserves water resources and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.
