Automation of Subsurface Drainage/Irrigation : Lessons from Field Experiments and Insights from Finnish Farmers

Abstract

Automated drainage and irrigation in agriculture are discussed, based on experiences of an implemented model predictive control (MPC) in a pilot field, and a survey and interviews among the Finnish farmers on their water management practices. The experiments emphasized the importance of exploiting the extra time gained by using weather forecasts. The farmers’ attitude to monitoring and control automation was found to be positive, with contributions expected in particular to increase yield and crop quality. The willingness to invest in automation for water management is impeded by the economic situation.