New predictive models developed with AI to optimize irrigation and crop management
Plantae, a start-up supported by the C3N-IA Science Park at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) and specializing in precision agriculture, has developed new predictive models using artificial intelligence (AI) to anticipate water needs, optimize irrigation and increase crop productivity. The potential applications of this technology range from intensive agriculture to professional gardening and the maintenance of football pitches, golf courses and other sports facilities.
The technology developed draws on an extensive database generated by more than 10,000 sensors installed on farms and agricultural holdings, which collect some 10 million monthly data points on soil moisture, electrical conductivity and temperature. What this new system does is use this "Big Data" and combine it with AI to make more accurate predictions about weather events and crop conditions.
"Our goal is to anticipate what is going to happen, providing the farmer or technician with specific recommendations on irrigation amounts or preventive actions for their crops up to 10 days in advance," says Samuel Lopez, CEO and co-founder of Plantae.
The information collected through sensors placed in the soil is analyzed by AI models and used to implement better strategies for the early prevention of pests or climatic damage such as frost, drought, hail and periods of torrential rain. "Currently, our predictive models are focused on olive trees and tomatoes, but the methodology developed is applicable to more than 80 types of crops, from extensive to woody," adds López.
For data collection, they have designed a wireless sensor that is inexpensive and can also collect data in real time in order to optimize decisions on irrigation and fertilizer application. The latest step in the company's R&D&I has been to develop new AI algorithms and implement new sensors: flow meters to monitor irrigation remotely, rain gauges to monitor relative humidity and ambient temperature, plus anemometers for wind and other radiation sensors.
"All this data modeling allows us to anticipate the needs of the farm, either in terms of irrigation or air expulsion. At the end of the day, data and AI are there to be used and to make our lives easier, not only helping farmers in their decision-making, but also making agriculture more efficient and sustainable," concludes López.
Apart from its applications in the area of intensive agriculture, the technology developed by Plantae is being used in professional gardening and to optimize pitch maintenance at several professional football clubs in Spain.
In addition to the development of services and new algorithms dedicated to AI, Plantae is focusing on a new NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) sensor. This device aims to distinguish between nutrients, thereby improving fertilization strategies and reducing carbon footprints, a global necessity within sustainability strategies and the fight against climate change.
Provided by Carlos III University of Madrid
