Field Evaluation of Smart Irrigation Systems Designed to Optimize Water Use Efficiency in Agricultural Practices

Abstract

Smart irrigation systems have emerged as key technologies for addressing global water scarcity and enhancing agricultural productivity. These systems utilize sensors, communication networks, and intelligent algorithms to optimize irrigation schedules based on real-time soil moisture, climatic variables, and crop water stress indicators. Despite extensive laboratory and controlled environment testing, there remains a critical need for comprehensive field evaluation to understand system performance under diverse agricultural conditions. This study presents an in-depth field assessment of smart irrigation systems deployed across multiple crop fields varying in soil type, climate, and cropping patterns. System effectiveness was analyzed through water-use efficiency measurements, crop yield response, sensor reliability, and operational stability. Results demonstrate that smart irrigation systems significantly reduce water consumption while maintaining or increasing crop yield, particularly in regions experiencing erratic rainfall or limited water availability. The findings also highlight environmental and infrastructural challenges affecting system performance, such as sensor drift, soil heterogeneity, and network connectivity.
This research contributes important insights for farmers, agronomists, and policymakers seeking to adopt water-efficient and technologically advanced irrigation solutions that support sustainable agricultural development.