DROUGHT: ACEPER STARTS WITH INTELLIGENT IRRIGATION TESTS IN ABRUZZO AND CAMPANIA, WATER-ENERGY SAVINGS OF UP TO 50% EXPECTED

The association which brings together 10,000 energy production plants from renewable sources, equal to over 7,000 members for a total installed power exceeding 2 GWp, kicked off the first tests on intelligent irrigation to minimize water waste yesterday. water and optimize the use of water resources. This is the system developed by the Spanish start-up BrioAgro which allows significant savings (even 50%) in both water and energy terms and is based on the use of sensors in the field which measure the water content in real time in the soil. ACEPER, committed to the continuous search for innovative solutions to encourage the growth of businesses, has chosen to act as an intermediary with the Spanish startup, conducting a detailed analysis with some associates located in areas characterized by serious water problems and selecting three companies on which to experiment the intelligent irrigation system.
The tests started in two young and dynamic realities that both show great enthusiasm regarding the experimentation: the Vigliotti Antonio agricultural company located in Montesarchio (Benevento) , within which the Vigliotti nurseries extend over 50,000 square meters dedicated to the cultivation of vegetables and tomatoes, currently irrigated through the drip system; the Società Agricola M & R of Massimiliano Giuliani of Trasacco (L'Aquila) which adopts sprinkler irrigation and which produces 90% leafy vegetables for large-scale retail trade and adopts the integrated pest control approach in reducing the use of pesticides.
" The water crisis represents a widespread problem. We took immediate action. We contacted our associates who, as always, were far-sighted, as demonstrated previously with the installation of photovoltaic systems. Let's begin this new adventure together with them, hoping to replicate the same success achieved with photovoltaic projects ,” says Veronica Pitea, president of ACEPER .
The BrioAgro system is based on the use of field sensors that measure the water content in the soil in real time and is supported by a geolocalized meteorological station that collects 15 climate parameters with forecasts for up to 7 days. For open field crops, vegetation indices are provided, calculated from satellite images over the entire surface of the farm. A custom calibration algorithm characterizes the soil and crop type in each field, allowing for precise data interpretation. A message is automatically sent to the farmer whenever watering is required. Through the platform the farmer can easily access specific crop conditions without further analysis. The system is flexible, suitable for all types of crops and can manage various irrigation systems, including sprinkler, drip and pivot irrigation. Its installation is quick and simple. Thanks to a precise supply of water, the absorption of nutrients by plants is thus optimized, reducing losses due to percolation and contamination of aquifers. Saving water by 30% on a farm translates into corresponding energy savings, as the irrigation motor is used more efficiently. The system also allows a strong reduction in the use of fertilizers and plant protection products, contributing to more efficient management of the field and improving overall agricultural production.