Intelligent Irrigation Control in Agricultural Soils: An Application to Grapevines

CAPRARO FLAVIO; SCHUGURENSKY CARLOS; VITA FACUNDO; TOSETTI SANTIAGO; LAGE ANDRES; PUCHETA JULIAN

Rio Gallegos

Congreso; XII Reunión de Trabajo en Procesamiento de la Información y Control; 2007

Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral

This work presents the field implementation of an intelligent irrigation controller, applied to grapevine crops. A brief analysis of irrigation of agricultural soils as well as a description of materials and methods used is performed. The proposed irrigation system includesthe moisture measurements and the development of an intelligent control system, in order to maintain the moisture level around a set value. The controller uses a mathematical model that emulates the dynamics of the soil water contents and determines the appropriate control actions as a function of the difference between moisture sensed and the reference values. The algorithm has an adaptive capability useful to minimize model errors. Adaptation is made in accordance to the results obtained using past control actions. This characteristic improves the controller?s behavior over time. Moisture reference value is decided by the user, according to the desired enological grape quality. This technology is an appropriate tool for crops managing and, in addition helps to overcome difficulties imposed by a growing water demand and to reduce extraction costs.