Precision Vegetable Farming in a 5-Acre Open Farm in Chinnamangalaram
Background:
A 5-acre open farming plot in Chinnamangalaram was known for growing a variety of vegetables. The farmer faced challenges due to irregular rainfall and manual irrigation management.
Solution: Crop Minder Baseline DIY Kit for 5 Acres
The farmer implemented the Crop Minder Baseline DIY Kit, including LoRa connectivity, on the 2-acre open farming plot.
Drip irrigation lines were integrated into the system for efficient water distribution.
Implementation:
The DIY kit was installed with ease, and Soil Minder and Weather Minder sensors were placed in strategic locations.
The system was set to “Schedule-Based Irrigation” for most crops but used “Sensor-Based Irrigation” for sensitive varieties.
Results:
Improved Crop Yield: Crop Minder Baseline significantly improved crop yield for various vegetables. Tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and others saw a yield increase of 50% or more.
Water Efficiency: Water consumption was reduced by 50% or more due to precise drip irrigation and sensor-based irrigation scheduling.
Time Savings: Automated scheduling and remote monitoring saved the farmer valuable time, enabling better management of the farm.
Key Findings:
The study finds that precision agriculture has the potential to further improve fertilizer placement efficiency by an additional 14%.
This case study highlights the successful implementation of the “Crop Minder Baseline” system in a 5-acre open farming plot, showcasing how precision agriculture not only significantly increases crop yield and water efficiency but also has the potential to further enhance fertilizer placement efficiency with broader adoption.
This table compares the traditional fertilizer usage (in pounds per acre) with the fertilizer usage when employing the “Crop Minder Baseline” system for various vegetables in a 5-acre open farming plot. It demonstrates the percentage of fertilizer savings achieved with the precision agriculture system.
Table: Fertilizer Comparison, Improved Crop Yield, Water Consumption Benefits – Traditional vs. Crop Minder Baseline with Drip Line
Vegetable Type | Traditional Fertilizer Usage (lbs/acre) | Crop Minder Baseline Fertilizer Usage (lbs/acre) | Fertilizer Savings | Traditional Yield (kg/acre) | Crop Minder Baseline Yield (kg/acre) | Expected Yield Increase | Traditional Water Consumption (gallons/acre) | Crop Minder Baseline with Drip Line Water Consumption (gallons/acre) | Water Savings |
Tomatoes | 80 | 60 | 25% | 800 | 1,200 | 50% increase | 30,000 | 15,000 | 50% |
Cucumbers | 70 | 55 | 21% | 700 | 1,100 | 57% increase | 25,000 | 12,000 | 52% |
Carrots | 100 | 75 | 25% | 1,200 | 1,800 | 50% increase | 40,000 | 20,000 | 50% |
Spinach | 60 | 50 | 17% | 600 | 1,000 | 67% increase | 20,000 | 10,000 | 50% |