The training programme contains practical content on how to schedule irrigation at plot level using capacitive sensors to measure soil water content. Its objective is to help farmers better understand the water requirements of their crops and use water more efficiently.
The programme explains the basic concepts related to soil moisture, field capacity, the permanent wilting point, plant-available water, evapotranspiration, effective rainfall and the water balance. This knowledge makes it possible to determine when irrigation is needed and how much water should be applied.
It also presents the main types of soil-moisture sensors, with particular emphasis on capacitive sensors, as well as the components of a monitoring system: sensors, data loggers, volumetric water meters and IoT communication technologies.
The programme includes recommendations for selecting the location of control points and installing the sensors correctly, taking into account the type of crop, the root system, the irrigation method and soil characteristics. It also explains how to access and interpret the data collected in order to adjust the frequency and amount of irrigation.
The use of these technologies helps prevent both excessive and insufficient irrigation, reduce water, energy and fertiliser consumption, and improve farm productivity. Overall, the training promotes more precise and sustainable irrigation management adapted to water scarcity.
