From electrical resistivity to Volumetric Water Content tomographies: how to optimize irrigation in horticulture

Water plays a key role in agriculture: irrigated soils account for about 20% of cultivated land. Thus, agricultural water management is becoming an increasingly actual issue in a period of severe climate changings. Sustainable water management requires adequate knowledge of soil water availability and its storage capacity. Researchers and farmers focus on irrigation scheduling, assessing when and how much to irrigate. The optimal timing depends on factors such as crop growth, water stress, and water availability. Additionally, the irrigation method, i.e., how water is applied to the soil, is crucial for effective water management.