Research project CIWI, Integration of a digital tool to optimize irrigation in the INERO and Care4Growing app

General introduction

Using crop modeling, the CIWI project has succeeded in estimating the desired irrigation dose for each agricultural crop and at each point in time during the summer. The dose determination has been directly linked to the existing WatchitGrow application, which is already being used by farmers to determine the irrigation needs of their crops during periods of drought. Because periods of drought typically coincide with restrictions on the availability of water sources, irrigation must be used judiciously so that the right plots are supplied with the right amount of water of acceptable quality at the right time.

In CIWI we have built upon the modelling approach of the Irrigation2.0 project.

Research approach

The approach consisted of linking crop modeling (using the AquaCrop model) to the clear and versatile WatchitGrow application. This project built on the Irrigation 2.0 project, which initiated modeling for irrigation. The CIWI project again focused on (early) potatoes, cauliflower, and spinach, but expanded the functionality to include determining the amount of irrigation required, in addition to prioritizing irrigation.

Relevance/Valorization

The WatchitGrow application now offers farmers additional functionality to irrigate their crops in a more targeted manner during periods of drought. In addition to prioritizing plots, they now also receive an estimate of the desired irrigation dose. Furthermore, WatchitGrow's functionality is linked to applications used by members of the INERO and LAVA cooperatives.

Financing

Vlaamse Overheid Departement L&V