Optimizing water use in agriculture: The role of sensor-based irrigation for sustainable crop production

Abstract

Efficient water management is a critical component of sustainable agriculture, particularly as global water resources face increasing stress due to climate change and population growth. Traditional irrigation methods often lead to water wastage and inefficiencies. Sensor-based irrigation systems offer a promising solution by enabling real-time monitoring of soil moisture, crop water needs, and environmental factors. Sensor-based irrigation systems present a promising approach by enabling real-time monitoring of soil moisture, plant water status, and environmental conditions, thereby improving water-use efficiency and mitigating wastage. This review explores various sensor technologies, including soil moisture sensors (tensiometers, granular matrix sensors, neutron moisture probes), crop sensors (sap flow sensors, dendrometers), and additional monitoring tools such as infrared canopy temperature sensors and flow sensors. These technologies facilitate precise irrigation scheduling, reducing water application while enhancing crop yields. Experimental studies have demonstrated significant improvements in water-use efficiency and economic benefits in cereal crops such as rice, wheat, and maize. For instance, sensor-based drip irrigation in rice resulted in water savings of up to 36.89%, while in wheat, irrigation efficiency improved from 69.2% to 88.0% compared to manual irrigation. Despite their potential, widespread adoption of sensor-based irrigation faces barriers, including high initial costs, technical complexity, and connectivity limitations in rural areas. Addressing these challenges through policy support, subsidies, and farmer training programs is crucial for broader implementation. This study underscores the transformative role of sensor-based irrigation in ensuring sustainable water resource management in agriculture, particularly in water-stressed regions.