image">

Dry land in Baja Verapaz state, Guatemala. Credit: Max Schoening for Human Rights Watch

To solve the challenges posed by drought, we conducted an experiment using precision irrigation with FarmiSpace to save water. Our team set up an experimental field in San Jerónimo, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, cultivating maize on an area of approximately 1.56 hectares. The field was divided into five zones. The experiment involved observing the moisture index distribution through FarmiSpace, identifying zones lacking moisture, and then irrigating these specific areas accordingly. We then recorded, collected, and analyzed data, including plant height and growth index, to evaluate the effectiveness of this precision irrigation method.

*Layout of the precision irrigation experiment fields in San Jerónimo, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, detailing the five zones and their respective areas.*

*Targeted irrigation area identified using FarmiSpace moisture index data in the precision irrigation experiment field in San Jerónimo, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala.*

Initially, farmers irrigated all fields uniformly to serve as a baseline. Using the FarmiSpace moisture index, we discovered that moisture distribution across the field was uneven, particularly in the circled field, which had the least moisture. Correspondingly, farmers noticed that crops in the circled field had the lowest average plant height among all fields, a finding consistent with FarmiSpace growth and moisture index observations. Based on these insights, we recommended that farmers focus irrigation efforts solely on the circled field to increase its moisture index. On that day, we had saved approximately 80% of water, while also increasing the plant height. Following this adjustment, this field's height growth significantly exceeded the average height growth of all regions by 54%.

*Illustrating the effectiveness of targeted irrigation: The circled field shows a significant improvement in moisture distribution and plant growth, achieving a 119% growth rate from Day 58 to Day 73.*

The accompanying image illustrates the significant improvement in the circled field after targeted irrigation. On Day 58 of planting, the average plant height in the circled field was only 70 cm, the lowest among all zones. By Day 73 of planting, the average height in the circled field had increased to 153 cm, an impressive growth of 83 cm, showcasing the effectiveness of precision irrigation. Notably, the circled field's growth rate was 119%, a stark contrast to the 35-75% growth rates observed in the other fields. This clear disparity (2.33 times more) underscores the success of targeted irrigation in not only conserving water but also significantly enhancing crop growth, demonstrating a viable solution to the challenges posed by the dry season in Guatemala

If you are interested in implementing precision irrigation and achieving similar success in your fields, consider using FarmiSpace. Our platform offers advanced tools and insights that optimize irrigation practices, ensuring efficient water use and improved crop yields. By leveraging the latest in agricultural technology, FarmiSpace helps you monitor moisture levels accurately and make informed decisions about where and when to irrigate. Join the many farmers who have already seen significant improvements in their crop performance and water conservation. Contact us today at this link for more information, or get started immediately by registering here. Transform your irrigation strategy with FarmiSpace and take a decisive step towards a more sustainable and productive future.

References:

OCHA (2023, December 20). Guatemala Humanitarian Needs Overview 2024. ReliefWeb. https://reliefweb.int/report/guatemala/guatemala-humanitarian-needs-overview-2024-december-2023
(2022, October 13) INFORM Climate Change Tool. The European Commission Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre. https://drmkc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/inform-index/INFORM-Climate-Change/INFORM-Climate-Change-Tool
(2024, March 13) Guatemala: Anticipated Impact of Drought. ACAPS. https://www.acaps.org/en/countries/archives/detail/guatemala-anticipated-impact-of-drought#:~:text=As at December 2023%2C El,severe in Guatemala's Dry Corridor.
(2023, November 15) Desperate Choices in Guatemala. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/video-photos/interactive/2023/11/15/desperate-choices-in-guatemala