Irrigation goes smart as AI-powered ‘Falaj' optimises water usage at UAE farms
MAYS IBRAHIM (LIWA CITY)Innovators in the UAE have brought the ancient falaj irrigation system into the age of AI — this time as a tech-driven solution that promotes smart, sustainable farming amid climate and water challenges.At United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), a team of experts has developed a next-generation 'Falaj' — a smart irrigation system that integrates advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technology with artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise water usage.
Mansoor Al Hosani, a horticulture student from the UAEU's College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, walked Aletihad through its features at Liwa Date Festival in Al Dhafra Region. The system is designed to optimise greenhouse irrigation through a seamless combination of smart sensors, AI algorithms, and remote-access capabilities, Al Hosani said. It operates on three main functions: monitoring, control, and alarm. The monitoring feature collects real-time data from sensors that measure soil moisture, temperature, pH levels, and electrical conductivity — metrics crucial for maintaining soil health and crop productivity. This continuous stream of information enables farmers to understand the needs of their crops and apply the precise amount of water at the right time, Al Hosani said.
How It Works The control system is managed through a user-friendly mobile app that gives farmers full oversight of irrigation processes. 'This way, you don't need engineers or workers on-site all the time,' said Al Hosani. 'You can manage everything from anywhere in the world.'Users can choose to automate water delivery or make manual adjustments, and the app's intuitive interface ensures accessibility even for those with limited technical experience, he added.Whether adjusting water flow or responding to changing environmental conditions, farmers have complete flexibility at their fingertips.Falaj is also equipped with an alarm system, which immediately notifies users when environmental conditions deviate from optimal levels. Alerts for issues like excess heat or humidity allow farmers to take timely action before such changes can harm crop yields.Al Hosani noted that this intelligent infrastructure is supported by several key components, including a soil moisture monitoring station known as the 'watchman.'A smart valve ensures efficient water distribution based on real-time pressure data, while a solar-powered system reduces reliance on the electric grid. The system also includes a frequency converter cabinet that helps maintain stable water pressure throughout the irrigation cycle.All of this data is presented in real-time through a centralised dashboard, which enables fast, informed decisions, enhancing overall farm management and productivity.Developed in collaboration with NAWA, a technology company specialising in agricultural innovations, Falaj supports various communication technologies, including 4G, Wi-Fi, and LoRa wireless protocols.
Al Hosani also noted that the irrigation system ensures farming information is protected through robust data encryption.
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