Automatic crop irrigation system leveraging remote sensing data
A web-based software platform delivering high-resolution soil moisture maps and actionable irrigation insights to optimize water use in agriculture. Integrates satellite data and single in-situ sensors for precise moisture mapping and irrigation recommendations.
Overview
The Automatic Crop Irrigation System is a cutting-edge web-based software platform designed to optimize agricultural irrigation. It provides high-resolution soil moisture maps and actionable insights to farmers, helping them make informed decisions about irrigation timing and volume. This system combines satellite radar data with in-situ soil measurements, offering a unique 10-meter resolution mapping capability that surpasses existing commercial solutions in accuracy and cost-efficiency.
Technical specifications
- High-resolution soil moisture maps: Field-scale maps with a resolution of 10 meters, offering precision insights into moisture levels.
- Time series data and trends: Detailed tracking of moisture evolution over time, highlighting critical changes.
- Custom alerts: SMS/email notifications when moisture levels approach user-defined thresholds.
- Irrigation recommendations: Tailored guidance on optimal irrigation timing and volume, considering soil type and crop stage.
The system leverages publicly available satellite data in combination with a single in-situ sensor, reducing the need for multiple sensors and associated costs. Validation tests across several countries have demonstrated a root mean square error (RMSE) of less than 4%, meeting precision farming standards.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, the system has undergone initial testing and validation across multiple geographic locations. Future development phases include model refinement, field trials, and user interface enhancement, aiming to create a user-friendly decision support tool for widespread agricultural use.
About University of Maryland
The University of Maryland is the state's flagship public research university in College Park, serving a large student body and offering comprehensive academic and research programs. Industry engages through an adjacent research park, shared prototyping facilities, and dedicated corporate partnership channels, plus joint pathways to a medical campus for clinical and regulatory engagement. Its Washington–Baltimore location places partners near federal agencies, national labs, and prime contractors, while a statewide extension network supports collaboration with companies. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DoD, DOE, NASA, and USDA, and coordinated commercialization services advance IP, startup formation, licensing, and industry-sponsored research.
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