SupPlant has developed an AI-driven plant-sensing irrigation system that collects data from plants and fruits and skillfully transforms it into real-time irrigation plans. These recommendations guarantee the well-being of crops while also ensuring water efficiency.
The Background
Climate change represents a significant challenge for farmers worldwide. The rising occurrence of extreme weather events like droughts, cold fronts, and sudden heatwaves is accountable for up to 50% reduction in global crop yields, while also intensifying water scarcity. Across numerous regions worldwide, water demand surpasses available reserves, limiting economic growth potential. If current irrigation practices continue, predictions suggest that by 2050, global freshwater availability will sharply decline, resulting in a deficit of approximately 25% between supply and demand.
Simultaneously, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports a staggering 178% increase in the number of people at risk of food insecurity since 2017. Worldwide food security is impacted by population growth, which is compounded by a growing tendency to divert resources from agricultural development to support urban expansion. These challenges are exacerbated by the ongoing disruptions in farmers’ operations and international supply chains triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, both of which are contributing to elevated global food prices.
A Menomadin Foundation impact investment: An AI-based irrigation system that guarantees both the well-being of crops and water efficiency.
Photo by: SupPlant
The Challenge
Irrigation currently accounts for around 70% of global freshwater consumption, making it a paramount concern for farmers. The energy and chemical inputs necessary for irrigation water come at a substantial cost, profoundly influencing farmers’ productivity and profitability. In the face of unpredictable weather conditions, farmers confront the task of optimizing crop yields while efficiently managing water resources and maintaining sustainable agriculture in regions afflicted by water scarcity. These evolving agricultural needs and challenges underscore the pressing necessity for innovative agro-technological solutions.
The Solution
SupPlant is pioneering an AI-driven irrigation system equipped with sensitive sensors that continuously monitor plant and fruit data. This real-time feedback allows the system to adjust irrigation plans dynamically, ensuring robust crop health while minimizing water usage.
Through strategically positioned sensors within the field, the software collects a comprehensive dataset, covering moisture levels, soil salinity indices, measurements of plant stems, leaves, and fruits, as well as temperature data and meteorological-climatic parameters. The data is sent to the cloud, where it undergoes analysis through smart algorithms. This analyzed information is then translated into a real-time irrigation plan tailored to the plant’s needs, which is subsequently communicated to an autonomous irrigation system for implementation. Meanwhile, the farmer receives timely updates on their mobile phone. In the event of any problems or warnings, the farmer is promptly alerted, complete with guidance on the necessary measures to take. SupPlant’s technology saves farmers 30% of water costs on average, and raises yields by an average of 5%. This fundamental change in irrigation methods has significant impact potential on a global scale.
Additionally, SupPlant has developed a sensor-free system that is accessible to farmers in developing countries through a smart mobile app. Leveraging its database, which spans data from over 2,000 cumulative growing seasons across 13 distinct climate zones, the app can evaluate a plant’s needs based on crop type, location, and soil. It subsequently generates tailored predictive models, empowering farmers with precise irrigation recommendations, timely extreme weather alerts, and detailed weather forecasts, all without the need for on-field sensors.
