Management system to optimize the use of water and energy in agricultural production (SGAE)

• Grant number: 15/15796-0
• Support type: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Duration: February 01, 2016 - October 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Agricultural Meteorology
• Principal researcher: Marco Aurelio Barros
• Grantee: Marco Aurelio Barros
• Company: Geomap Ltda
• City: São José dos Campos
• Associated scholarship(s): 16/02472-5 - Management system to optimize the use of water and energy in agricultural production (SGAE), BP.PIPE

Abstract

In this project we propose the development of a system that automates the irrigation drive in the Cantareira water lake to determined taking into account agronomic aspects with a geo-referenced and integrated spatial interface. In This interface, a satellite image will be displayed with the limit(s) of the farmer(s) to be (are) monitored (s). Red, yellow and green: this same graphical interface, a thematic layer "n" variables that will serve as an indicator of three alerts will be superimposed. The red staining region will indicate areas in need of irrigation; yellow areas are high probability to irrigation and finally the green areas are those which do not require irrigation. For the system to operate the irrigation, a rule based on a decision tree with hierarchical variables will be created. The sum or combination of these variables will lead to making system's decision to trigger or not irrigation. To collect the variables will be used a weather radar band X, weather stations, humidity sensors in the soil and weather prediction models indicate two situations: i) IRRIGATE: the indication that the soil is dry, combined with high evapotranspiration and low probability of rain; ii) NO IRRIGATE: the indication that the soil has enough moisture to culture and / or high probability of rain. When the combination of factors determine that irrigation should be done, the SGAE system triggers irrigation, only where there is a need throughout the monitoring area. During the irrigation if the radar to see that there will be precipitation in a short time the system will shut down. If there is not the need for irrigation, the rainfall information will be stored occurred for a daily / monthly / annual balance of water savings to be made in relation to a control without the irrigation system with the same conditions. This balance will be represented in the project as an indicator panel Interactive Dashboard format. It starts with the hypothesis that it is possible to save up to 25% of irrigated volume if we aggregate meteorological variables of highest precision and temporal resolution in a smart irrigation system drive. The main innovative challenges of this project are: (i) the integration and combination of a geographical information system that allows subsidizing the integrated management of agro-meteorological radar, soil moisture measurement sensors and irrigation equipment in real time; (Ii) generate water savings and energy farmers without productivity losses; (Iii) Give precise instrument and objective monitoring of the time the farmer an interactive, visual and easy to handle; (Iv) Create an index that allows the farmer to qualify for their efficient use of water and energy in agricultural activities; (V) Provide an effective tool in making decisions farmer minimizing risk and increasing your chance of success; (Vi) Provide monitoring results on any type of device (computers, tablets, smartphones) at an affordable price; (Vii) ensure enough water for future generations thanks to an expected savings of 25% of the volume of use. (AU)