We installed probes in a tomato greenhouse in Badajoz to assess the evolution of humidity during the hottest months.
Optimizing Irrigation with Sensors in a Tomato Greenhouse in Badajoz
We analyzed the behavior of soil moisture graphs during the most demanding months for tomatoes in Spain.
In this image, we observe how the farmer, thanks to irrigation, manages to maintain moisture at 70-80% of the field’s capacity, ideal for proper crop development. Furthermore, the 30 cm sensor does not show significant elevation changes, indicating that moisture and nutrients have been deposited in the area of maximum root activity. The 15 cm sensor is used to map irrigation and nutrient uptake by the plant.
Analyzing the irrigation dose used by the farmer, we can see that the trend in water use is decreasing. Therefore, with fewer resources, we achieve the objective throughout the entire crop cycle, as we saw in the previous slide.
We must keep in mind that efficient water use not only translates into water savings, but also into savings in inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.), since crop health also improves with efficient irrigation.
Cantidad de agua de riego medido con sondas en invernadero de tomates
Importance of Soil Moisture Monitoring in Tomato Cultivation
Soil moisture monitors measure the water content in the soil, helping to ensure that plants receive the right amount of water without excess or deficiency. In dry climates, monitoring soil moisture is crucial to prevent water stress and maintain efficient irrigation, as shown in the graphs above.
The farmer experiences considerable savings in water and energy, and the tomato crop also benefits in quality and flavor because nutrients reach the plant optimally.
Don’t hesitate to consult with our technical teamdudes
Probes in a tomato greenhouse. 1-Water control. 2-Humidity probes. 3-Hub. 4-Humidity graph.
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