Australian ag-tech start-up The Yield, together with Hort Innovation and researchers from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), have investigated advanced analytical models that calculate evapotranspiration while adjusting to accommodate different stages of growth for vegetable crops.
Evapotranspiration (ET) is a measurement that estimates the combined water loss through plants (transpiration) and soil (evaporation). It is used to guide growers on crop water requirements.
The two-year research project included field trials across various Australian growing conditions. Over 8.6m data points were captured and analysed to evaluate different approaches for calculating ET. Four key crops – cauliflower, spinach, carrots and lettuce – where included in the research.
“Identifying new ways to optimise irrigation is key to the ongoing success and sustainability of irrigated farming in Australia,” said Ros Harvey, founder and managing director at The Yield. “New digital technologies make it possible to incorporate dynamic models that automatically adjust for growth stages and biomass production to gain an accurate view of ET, now and several days in advance.
“We hope these analytical models can be used as a basis for ongoing research into improving the accuracy of water deficit predictions and forecasting irrigation requirements.”
As part of the project, The Yield developed a free app designed for irrigated crops, which provides a seven-day prediction of ET, together with rainfall, wind and relative humidity.
The research project was funded by Hort Innovation, using the strategic vegetable levy and contributions from the Australian Government.
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