In the IMPRESS project partners will realize two (synergistic) products: 1) the FI-sense platform, an open sensor platform that can be used by any sensor producer to receive and transmit data of wireless sensors in greenhouses to FIspace. The platform uses frequencies and protocols that are suitable for greenhouse conditions. 2) The AquaTagRemote soil moisture sensor. The low cost wireless soil moisture sensor will make it possible to control the irrigation based on the real soil moisture conditions.

The ability to optimize inputs at spatial scale has been enabled with the use of Variable Rate Applications (VRA). Despite the fact that there are numerous VRA systems aimed at arable crops, specific systems for orchard management utilizing precision monitoring and application of the orchards are still lacking. These cropping systems face increasing market pressure to produce quality products, and provide a detailed traceable system for the origin of the product including, the treatments and the conditions that have occurred during the production.

Water availability in Switzerland varies by region, and water scarcity during the summer is expected to increase due to climate change. Thus, water consumption for irrigation will increase in order to ensure food security. In today’s irrigation systems, the amounts of water used often exceeds the amount of water required by plants.