IRRINET-IRRIFRAME

Irrigated agriculture is the most relevant water use sector, therefore highlighting the key role that efficient irrigation plays for saving water at the global level. Smart irrigation, supported by on-line assessment of soil and crop conditions, as well as weather forecasting, is unanimously recognized as a potential solution to mitigate global water scarcity. However, it is still an open question how to design the optimal structure of a smart irrigation system.

Developed by

Consorzio di Bonifica CER

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IRRINET-IRRIFRAME is an expert system for irrigation backed by the results of more than 50 years of research on sustainable irrigation. It processes several data bases and develops irrigation schedules that are available through different communication channels. Its main feature is the real-time irrigation scheduling, i.e. daily information on how much and when to irrigate. During the period 2007-2013, the IRRINET-IRRIFRAME system allowed to save more than 50 millions of m3 of water in the Emilia Romagna region (Italy).

TRL 9

Actual system proven in operational environment (competitive manufacturing).
The solution is used successfully in a structurally operational environment. The user can and wants to recommend the solution to others.

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Testing plan completed

The testing plan and the BRIGAID’s Testing Innovation Framework (TIF) has been rightly applied and finished. The TRL of the innovation has been effectively reached.

IRRINET-IRRIFRAME has been widely tested in the Emilia-Romagna region, and has been also implemented in other six regions of Italy.

How does it work?

IRRINET-IRRIFRAME is based on a water balance model aimed at crop irrigation management at the field scale. The soil is represented in the model through three layers: the soil surface layer, which takes into account the composition and structure of the upper soil column, the root layer, which is the part of the soil where roots absorb water, and the bottom layer, that is the lower part of the soil column, where the dynamics of the water table is accounted for. The model takes into account soil structure, crop development, weather conditions and forecasting, estimates the corresponding water demand and therefore the optimal amount and timing of irrigation. Information is delivered to farmers through phone applications and web interface.

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