IRRI scientists work on sensor-based irrigation to boost water efficiency
The research aims to enhance climate resilience in eastern Uttar Pradesh by assessing soil moisture dynamics, crop water requirements, and irrigation scheduling in DSR systems.
A team of experts from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), including senior water scientist Anton Urfels, conducted a technical assessment in Paniyara village to study soil moisture dynamics under different irrigation regimes in direct-seeded rice (DSR) fields.
The interdisciplinary team, comprising agronomists, GIS specialists, agricultural economists, and water scientists, aimed to identify critical soil moisture thresholds for timely and efficient irrigation.
At the core of this research is the integration of in-field soil moisture sensors, automated water depth monitoring systems, and drone-based spatial mapping tools to collect high-resolution temporal and spatial datasets.
These tools are being used to analyse moisture variability, crop response patterns, and water use efficiency at different crop stages. The research team is also evaluating how alternative irrigation intervals and timing affect both crop growth and soil health under direct seeding conditions.
"A data-driven approach to irrigation management is critical for sustaining rice production in regions facing increasing water stress.
Through the integration of advanced monitoring tools and site-specific research, IRRI is committed to delivering scalable solutions that not only conserve water, but also enhance productivity and climate resilience for smallholder farmers," said Sudhanshu, director, ISARC.
He said that the findings from this research will contribute to a more refined understanding of water demand dynamics in DSR cultivation and help establish localised irrigation advisories.
Ultimately, the goal is to enable the transition to climate-resilient, resource-efficient rice production systems across the region.
Anton emphasised that a detailed understanding of spatial and temporal soil moisture variability is essential for building resilient irrigation strategies in water-scarce regions. It was further noted that when combined with geospatial analytics, sensor-based data can enable the development of location-specific protocols that improve irrigation efficiency and optimise resource use at scale.
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IRRI scientists work on sensor-based irrigation to boost water efficiency
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