ASSETS
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Make the most of the weather
As there are plots with dry sensitive soils or dry sensitive areas in the plot, irrigation of different crops is necessary. This is to supplement any moisture deficit, with the goal of achieving and optimum growth for the plants. This, in turn, can lead to the highest possible yield for the grower. To achieve this, soil sensors and the Raindancer program can be used.
Soil sensors
Different soil moisture sensors can be used to visualize the moisture condition of the soil and determine the optimal time for irrigation. Soil moisture sensors display the moisture condition of the soil. When the moisture condition is too low, the moisture can be replenished through irrigation. This can lead to more optimal plant growth.
In addition, some soil moisture sensors can be linked to a weather station. Weather stations can provide the grower with various data such as: wind speed, radiation and precipitation fallen. Based on the soil moisture sensors and the weather station, the optimal spray timing can be accurately determined. This makes it possible to apply smaller quantities of crop protection products more accurately.
The soil sensors and weather stations available on the VDBorne Campus can be found in the Fieldlab Sensors.
Raindancer
With the data collected and the accurate timing of irrigation, irrigation can be done. This can also be done accurately and more easily with the Raindancer, a fleet management program created specifically for irrigation. On it, the current information of the reels on a farm is available, such as where it is, the pressure and when it is in. Using a GPS module, it is possible to load field boundaries, allowing variable adjustment of the reel's working width. The reel's winding speed can also be variably adjusted when the maximum number of millimeters is set. In addition, it is possible to create a turnover schedule, faults are reported and the reel can be controlled from the telephone or computer.
Several projects and trials have been carried out in the Irrigation fieldlab in recent years. In the 2021 crop year, several projects and trials are going to be carried out again, such as the trials “Level-controlled drainage” and “Drip irrigation and fertigation in potato and corn cultivation.
'Level-controlled drainage' project
An upcoming project within the Practical Center is a trial of level-controlled drainage on one of the experimental fields at the Practical Center. Level-controlled drainage is a technique by which the water supply in the soil, i.e. the groundwater level, can be regulated. This is done using, for example, a sump pit, ditch or basin.
The groundwater level can be controlled by adjusting the water level. The water level is adjusted according to current conditions. This allows for possible maintenance during dry periods by retaining and infiltrating water, thus delaying irrigation times. In wet periods, the water level can be lowered, allowing water to drain from the plot.
Trial 'Drip irrigation and fertigation in potato and corn cultivation'
At the Practice Center for Precision Agriculture, in the 2021 crop year, the project “Drip irrigation and fertigation in potato and corn cultivation” will be carried out on one of the practice center's experimental fields. With drip irrigation, water can be accurately supplied to the crop using a dosing system consisting of a main line and drip hoses. Fertilizers can be added to the dosing system and then delivered to the crop in the field, also known as fertigation.
With drip irrigation, there is an opportunity to provide more efficient watering of the crop. Something that is becoming increasingly important with the hot temperatures and dry periods during the growing season of most crops. There is also the fact that fresh water is becoming scarcer and, as a result, irrigation bans are in place in several places during dry periods, for the withdrawal of surface water. A reason to use the available water more economically and apply watering more efficiently. With drip irrigation it is possible to supply the right amount of water to the crop several times a day. This is done with smaller amounts of water. This also prevents any leaching. In addition, the often cold water is added under the crop, preventing the crop from getting the large amount of water over itself. The moment of application with drip irrigation is possible with sensors.
In addition, fertigation makes it possible to (accurately) direct nutrients based on the crop's nutritional needs. This allows yield potential to increase and fewer nutrients/water-soluble fertilizers to be added, as more precise application is possible.
The project is going to determine the added value of the drip system and adding fertilizer (fertigation). Different strips will be laid out. A strip without drip irrigation, where irrigation will be done with a hose reel, a strip with drip irrigation in both potatoes and corn and a strip with drip irrigation in potatoes, where fertigation will be used.