abstract
- © IFAC.Improving the efficiency of the agricultural irrigation systems substantially contributes to sustainable water management. This improvement can be achieved through an automated irrigation system that includes a real time control strategy based on the water, soil and crop relationship. This paper presents a model predictive control applied to an irrigation system, in order to make an efficient use of water for large territories, i.e. apply the correct amount of water in the correct place at the right moment. The proposed model uses the soil moisture control and the climatic factors, to determine optimal amount of water required by the crop. This predictive model is evaluated against a traditional irrigation system based on the empirical definition of time periods, and against a basic soil moisture control system. Preliminary results indicate that the use of a model predictive control in an irrigation system, may achieve a higher efficiency and significantly reduce the water consumption.