In the heart of Colombia’s agricultural landscape, a new tool is emerging to tackle a persistent issue that plagues farmers: water stress in Hass avocado crops. Daniel Enrique Medina, leading the charge at Ozmidia SAS, has spearheaded a promising initiative that leverages the principles of Precision Agriculture to help small and medium-sized farmers manage their water resources more effectively.
The project revolves around a clever device that measures critical weather variables, essential for calculating crop evapotranspiration and effective precipitation. It’s designed to work independently of internet or electricity, which is a game-changer for rural areas where such amenities might be scarce. With satellite connectivity, the device ensures that farmers can access vital information about their crops, no matter how remote their location may be. “Our goal was to create a solution that fits the unique challenges of rural farming,” Medina explains. “By focusing on the specific needs of Hass avocado growers, we can help them make informed decisions about irrigation.”
Over the course of a year, this innovative solution was put to the test on a working avocado farm, gathering a wealth of data on air temperature, humidity, sunshine duration, and rainfall. The iterative process of testing and refining the device not only validated its effectiveness but also underscored the importance of adapting technology to the local context. The data collected is now freely available, paving the way for further research and development in the field.
The implications of this research extend far beyond just one crop or one region. With avocados being a lucrative export, particularly for Colombia, enhancing water management can lead to significant economic benefits. Farmers can optimize their irrigation schedules, potentially boosting yields while conserving precious water resources. This is especially crucial in a world where climate change continues to challenge traditional farming practices.
Moreover, the adoption of such technologies can foster a shift in the agricultural landscape, encouraging more farmers to embrace Precision Agriculture. As Medina points out, “When farmers see the tangible benefits of such solutions, it opens the door to wider acceptance of technology in agriculture.”
Published in ‘Scientific Reports’, this research not only highlights the potential of space-based Internet of Things applications in agriculture but also serves as a model for developing tailored solutions that resonate with the needs of farmers. As the agricultural sector grapples with the dual challenges of sustainability and productivity, initiatives like this could be pivotal in shaping a more resilient future for farming.