AquaPro: all the benefits of a remote automation system for precision irrigation

AquaPro is an innovative wireless Smart Farming system for precision irrigation, designed to reduce production costs and increase crop yields. Its fully automated and autonomous management revolutionizes irrigation systems, tailoring them to specific crop needs and optimizing resource use. With integrated IoT technologies and advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms, AquaPro delivers precise interventions on individual cultivation areas, effectively managing water stress to ensure significant water and energy savings, improve crop quality, and reduce disease development. The system offers a wide range of advanced features, manageable via local or cloud software:

• Data storage and analysis from sensors for a comprehensive and historical view of each irrigation sector.
• Graphical forecasts for temperature and precipitation over the next 7 days.
• Accurate calculation of Evapotranspiration (ET) to improve irrigation decisions.
• Decision Support System (DSS) to precisely determine when and how much to irrigate.
• Personalized notifications with alerts for anomalies or leaks detected via installed flow meters and pressure switches.
• Predictive maintenance tools to optimize the long-term efficiency of pumps and filters.

With a modular architecture, AquaPro adapts to various operational needs:

• Pumping station modules wirelessly manage pump groups, regulating line pressure to enhance efficiency.
• Filtering modules monitor inlet and outlet pressures, automatically initiating wash cycles to maintain efficiency.
• Distribution modules allow manual or automatic control of irrigation programs, customizable by water volume or scheduled timings.
• Field modules autonomously manage irrigation areas, configurable according to soil and crop characteristics for resource optimization.

The advanced DSS functionalities, combined with field modules, enable farmers to achieve better results in water conservation and crop quality. One of AquaPro’s most advanced features is its ability to measure the water potential of plants, estimating the energy required by roots to absorb water, regardless of soil type. From a technological standpoint, AquaPro stands out for:

• Edge Computing architecture ensuring real-time control with low energy consumption.
• Local Control Unit (CU) capable of operating independently without Internet or cloud connectivity.
• Self-sustaining power supply for modules, sensors, and solenoid valves through efficient solar panels and long-lasting lithium batteries.
• LoRaWAN wireless network ensuring stable and reliable communication among modules.
• Remote wireless control of the system, including pump groups and solenoid valves, via Seneca radiomodems.
• Advanced sensor management for temperature and soil moisture at various depths, including volumetric and tensiometric sensors for precise water potential monitoring.

AquaPro products are developed with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, integrating cutting-edge technologies that ensure continuous operation with minimal maintenance, even in remote or hard-to-access environments.