Operational Group: Digital tools for managing avocado irrigation in Andalusia based on water availability

To provide a free digital tool to determine irrigation needs for avocado crops, based on soil water balance and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) estimates. This tool will be integrated into PLATAFORMA TIERRA, with web access via a mobile app. To facilitate its adoption, its design will prioritize ease of use and intuitiveness.

The tool will be composed of: (i) models and algorithms for calculating the irrigation dose under different agronomic management conditions, such as limited water supply or productive alternation, and (ii) will be compatible with the monitoring and control devices installed on the plot, such as counters, soil moisture sensors, climate sensors, etc. For those users who have such devices on their farms, a personalized irrigation recommendation can be obtained, precisely adjusted to their growing conditions.

The experience in avocado management of the TROPS technical department (SAT 2803) will be key to developing a useful, modern tool that responds to the real needs of farmers. The adoption of this digital tool will improve water use efficiency in avocado-producing areas through optimal management of available water resources. Furthermore, its adoption by producers will allow them to certify that their production has been obtained with optimal use of water resources, applying the most modern technologies, in line with the current context of digitalization in the agricultural sector.

This will improve the sector's image in national and international markets and consumers, giving it a competitive advantage over its commercial competitors. All of this will result in improved sustainability for the avocado sector in Andalusia. Furthermore, various water use efficiency indicators will be obtained, such as water productivity in terms of harvest quantity (kg m-3) and harvest value (€ m-3).