THE CHALLENGE
Out of overall freshwater consumption, 70% is consumed in the agricultural processes and, furthermore, most irrigation systems are very inefficient (only 30 to 50% of the water distributed is taken up by the plant). Remaining is used in infrastructural pipelines and other miscellaneous works. Water demand will shoot up by 50% shortly and this fact cannot be vetoed away. The precision farming is the only option in which water usage can be optimized by employing integrated and smart irrigation systems. The lack of enough and continuous water resources to supply irrigation necessities in agriculture system; climate change effects and other secondary factors, such as crop diseases and loss of product quality, are currently most farmers’ pain point.
OUR INNOVATION
HydSOS is a breakthrough smart irrigation system to be implemented in olive trees and others similar crops under irrigation (almond, under study). This system is integrated by three key elements: 1) a Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) protocol specifically designed for the crop’s characteristics and needs; 2) a new sensor able to monitor online the water vascular flow in the tree trunk; and 3) an on-line Smart Irrigation Management Platform. Till date, Galpagro company, thanks to its two-year R&D effort, has developed HydSOS up to TRL6 (RDI protocol for olive trees developed and tested), and our goal is to complete the system until taking it into the market. We are currently working with our R&D partner, IRC Automatización, in the development of the sensor and the Management Platform.
GALPAGRO
Galpagro is a family-owned company, innovating in agriculture for over 23 years. We have grown over the years by incorporating different lines of business. Currently, our main activities are agricultural technical advice, consulting/management of certification processes, agro-treatments distribution and sales, and agricultural works. Our team gathers with 24 reputed professionals, including Ph.Ds. agronomists and agricultural technicians.
