Automating irrigation in Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) rice could indeed be economically feasible for producers. The working hypothesis, based on preliminary research, suggests that integrating automated, IoT-irrigation technologies into an AWD rice production system can lead to several benefits:
Water Use Reduction: By automating irrigation based on real-time data, water application can be optimized. This decrease in water use may offset the costs of additional technologies.
Yield Improvement: Properly managed irrigation can enhance rice grain yield and seed quality.
Economic Viability: The net returns from rice production may be positively impacted due to improved water management and yield.
The goal is to create productive and profitable low-water-use, row-crop production systems that producers will adopt. Extension programs can be crucial in increasing awareness among the farmers about AWD rice production systems and addressing concerns related to this novel conservation practice.
Further, IoT-based monitoring can provide valuable insights into water requirements, making it easier for farmers to care for their rice fields and reduce irrigation-related problems.
Overall, the integration of IoT technologies holds promise for enhancing rice farming efficiency and sustainability.