PROSIM project, supported by the ENI CBC MED Programme, promotes the implementation of innovative solutions with the aim to enhance water use efficiency and the use of non-conventional waters to reduce water losses and groundwater pumping while also allowing farmers to improve crops productivity. 

The project’s activities are carried out in both Northern and Southern Mediterranean countries and promote the exchange of good practices between them. One of these activities supports the use of sensors for irrigation scheduling among farmers to optimise the use of water. 

Stationary sensors are small devices placed at the predetermined locations and depths in the field that will collect information about the temperature, amount of water and salinity of the soil at multiple depths. Sensors are usually placed in pairs at one-third and two-thirds the depth of the crop root zone and at two or more locations in the field, preferably in the representative soil type away from high points, depressions and slopes. These devices are frequently use along with weather station are responsible for collecting data related to air temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and solar radiation.

All the data from sensors and weather stations is processed by a software that will inform farmers of the field’s needs and alert them via SMS or App once the irrigation trigger point is reached! This technology enables farmers to know the exact amount of water needed to irrigate their meadows avoiding plant stress and over-exploitation of water sources for irrigation. 

The project will implement this technology solution in three of its partners countries: Jordan, Tunisia and Italy. The regions of these countries where the project is being carried out have in common an important lack of rain and fresh water sources, needing innovative solutions to meet farmers’ water necessities. 

PROSIM will help 110 farmers from these countries to improve the yield of a variety of local crops, such as palm trees, citrus trees, olive trees or vegetables over 32ha.