AGRI-SMART
Accurate management of the water resources through a system for monitoring radioisotope concentration in soil
Scheda del progetto
ELSE NUCLEAR srl
The aim of the project is to develop a distributed monitoring sensor system that will allow farmers to observe the soil moisture status in real-time across different micro-zones. This will ensure effective irrigation of water-scarce micro-zones while saving water resources where moisture levels are already adequate. The project will introduce elements of radical innovation into the reference market by developing a product characterised by lower costs, greater sensitivity and precision, as well as enhanced environmental sustainability compared to the technology currently available.
Contacts:
Giacomo Paolo Manessi
giacomo.manessi@elsenuclear.com
A crucial issue in water management in agriculture is the measurement of soil moisture: it is essential for water resources to be used efficiently by regularly monitoring the concentration of water (and therefore moisture) in the soil.
The project utilises a very promising technique that is based on the use of gamma spectrometers capable of measuring the level of radiation emitted by naturally occurring radionuclides in the soil. This technique allows for overcoming the limitations of current point sensors by determining the soil moisture content over a surface area averaged across several dozen square metres, thereby identifying microzones that are useful for efficient irrigation.
AGRI-SMART will have a direct impact on the supply chain and the territory (both in terms of the economy and resource preservation) as a judicious use of water resources will, on one hand, optimise production while simultaneously reducing waste, and, on the other hand, enable a more informed response to changes caused by potential weather stresses and, in the long term, the effects of climate change.