Precision irrigation delivers the correct amount of water and nutrients, uniformly and at the right time and place. However, this level of precision can only be achieved by applying and managing appropriate technologies, says irrigation solutions provider Netafim.

“Even with significant effort, and the right precision emitter at the plant, precise execution of strategic irrigation and fertigation tasks is not possible without automation,” explains Netafim Southern and East Africa digital farming project manager Nickie Theron.

He stresses that it is a significant overstatement to label automation technologies as the “be all and end all of precision irrigation” but suggests that customers should have a greater understanding of the essential role these technologies have in unlocking the potential of irrigation systems and solutions.

Further, he points out that these technologies must be implemented correctly, with every irrigation system component and the necessary controller programming, as well as any other system aspects, designed, set up and managed correctly to ensure the desired level of precision.

He stresses that digital farming solutions cannot “magically” turn poor irrigation equipment into an efficient irrigation system. “We must still prioritise correct and high-quality equipment, from the head control room to the field.”

As such, controlling valves are just the start in terms of demonstrating how irrigation automation affects increased irrigation efficiency.

Digital farming solutions facilitate numerous important precision irrigation tasks, including electrical conductivity and potential hydrogen (EC/pH) control, fertiliser injection and more, thereby enabling farmers to manage a large irrigation system from one platform with a holistic view, while offering remote access and control solutions.

“Automation and real-time data integration aren’t a [. . .] vision. These tools are already transforming farms globally,” says Theron.

These systems use algorithms to analyse sensor data and adjust irrigation “on the fly”, enabling data-driven decisions that optimise water use, cut costs and boost sustainability.

Theron believes that the future value proposition lies in user-friendly platforms that integrate all aspects of farm management, simplifying operations and helping farmers stay competitive.

Limiting Factors

“Cost is always a concern,” says Theron, “but to gain perspective it should be seen in context of the total irrigation investment and its critical role in system success.”

Electricity and signal limitations are also common. However, Theron points out that, while these challenges are valid, they can be solved as there are technologies – which keep evolving – that can overcome them.

Theron adds that the role of communication systems, capable of connecting varying pieces of digital farming equipment and components, cannot be omitted.

“It is very valuable to ensure that a two-way communication system is in place to integrate all components in the head control room and field. This not only ensures that tasks can be actioned, but that the farmer receives the necessary feedback on in-field circumstances.” 

Additionally, users’ technological literacy is a potential limitation, though Theron states that this can be solved by offering user-friendly technologies “on the one hand, and diligently training users on the other”.



Theron believes that the irrigation automation industry has changed and developed “massively” over the last decade, adding that, in South Africa, automation is developing along a different path compared with other countries.

He suggests that this developmental path is owed to the automation needs on local farms being driven by the fact that farmers must farm with extreme precision to be sustainable and competitive.

“The South African irrigation automation industry is therefore much more sophisticated than in other countries. Technology developers must align with farmers' evolving needs.”

He elaborates that these advanced solutions were once applied in greenhouses, citing the use of precise EC/pH control. However, of late, the same level of precision is applied in many open-field irrigation systems as a result of technological advancement and increasing demand.

Theron stresses that digital farming solutions must align with sound irrigation practices and should guide the market to implement or develop these practices where necessary.

He concludes that, as technologies, practices and research evolve, it is important that the local irrigation industry continues to embrace advancements to drive efficiency in agriculture.