Energy Efficiency and Water Savings in Agriculture by Innovative Plant-Aware Irrigation System
Demonstration of Plant Aware Irrigation (PAI) technology for perennial crops such as vineyards could result in water savings while improving crop yields
Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
Recipient
Palo Alto, CA
Recipient Location
13th
Senate District
23rd
Assembly District
$1,089,129
Amount Spent
Completed
Project Status
Project Result
The agreement has completed and the management has completed edits to the final report. Fruition Sciences has been invited as a speaker for the breakout session “The Role of Technology in Drought-Proofing California's Food and Agriculture Sector.” The results estimated a 61% combined water and energy savings annually, compared to traditional irrigation. EPRI held a Pollinator Workshop and the project team presented to local farmers at Fresno State University (FSU) 2019 Innovations in Ag Irrigation Technology Showcase to highlight the emerging irrigation and water management technology. The FSU presentation will be featured in West Coast Industrial Solutions magazine. Future market transfer activities will be focused toward wine grape growers and water intense agriculture sectors. These opportunities will concentrate on the objectives and practical aspects to understand the requirements.
The Issue
Current irrigation practices for California fruit crops, is to water according to a weekly schedule with a fixed quantity of water each time, or based on climate conditions, regardless of the actual water needs of the plants. This method results in over-irrigation and is often detrimental to the quality of the fruit or its yield.
Project Innovation
This project addresses the specific problem of fixed watering schedules for agricultural crops by demonstrating a new irrigation system that saves both water and energy. This system performs on the principle that crops are watered only when needed, not just on a set time-interval. Sap flow sensors are installed on crops to save water, increase yield and quality.The additional benefits of this system are the improved quality and yield of the crop. The goals of this project are to demonstrate the Plant Aware Irrigation (PAI) system on perennial crops, quantify the energy and water savings, and engage customers' feedback of perceived benefits while acknowledging their concerns. The technology was demonstrated in three vineyards; Yountville, Napa and Livermore. Each site produced different type of grapes (cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, and chardonnay) which enabled better insight into water/energy nexus related to each grape type.
Project Benefits
The technology being demonstrated precisely detects when crops need water, triggering irrigation only when needed. Delivering less water reduces pumping and the associate energy use, lowering GHG emissions. Expanded deployment to other California perennial fruit crops has the potential to save significant amounts of energy and water, moving the state closer to its energy goals.
Consumer Appeal
Limiting water to wine grapes could produce higher quality grapes, as measured by improved sugar per berry and individual berry weight, resulting in potentially higher grade wines.
Affordability
The project could lower costs to growers through reduced water consumption and reduced energy consumption from pumping well water. The statewide water savings conclude an estimated 297 billion gallons per year and about 403 million kwh of annual electricity savings. With an average electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh, the total savings estimate is $63 million to the CA ratepayers, for grape crops alone.
Environmental Sustainability
The project achieved environmental benefits through demonstrating an average of 61% savings of water and energy over one growing season . Water is currently wasted by watering crops on a regular schedule while this technology will save water by watering based on plant needs. When the vines can adapt to receive less water early in the season, crop production is less sensitive to drought. Reduction in water use cuts down the need for water pumping and associated energy use, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Project Members
Andra Rogers
Subrecipients
NegaWatt Consulting, Inc.
Fruition Sciences
Global Vision North America, LLC
Precision Imagery Corporation
Match Partners
Fruition Sciences
