Advanced Farming Robots Enhance Irrigation Efficiency for Orchards
Farmers are increasingly facing water scarcity challenges, prompting the need for more efficient irrigation methods. A new precision agriculture technology has been developed to address this issue by mapping soil moisture on a tree-by-tree basis. This system utilizes a robot that traverses orchards to collect detailed soil data, offering a more comprehensive view of water distribution compared to traditional soil sensors. According to Elia Scudiero, associate professor of precision agriculture and Director of UCR's Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, traditional sensors provide limited information as they only measure moisture in their immediate vicinity. The robotic system, however, measures electrical conductivity, which is influenced by moisture, salt, and clay content, to create accurate maps of water availability. This allows farmers to apply water only where it is needed, optimizing irrigation and reducing waste.