Northern Netherlands tests smart underground irrigation for potatoes

11 September 2018

An ERDF-funded project in the Netherlands has been testing a new underground irrigation system for potatoes, with promising results relating to yield, quality and disease control. Zobam is an innovative self-regulating underground potato watering system which has the potential to increase both the number of harvested potatoes and their size. The project tested the system with three potato producers this year and found the system was effective – particularly during the predominantly dry sea

An ERDF-funded project in the Netherlands has been testing a new underground irrigation system for potatoes, with promising results relating to yield, quality and disease control.

Zobam is an innovative self-regulating underground potato watering system which has the potential to increase both the number of harvested potatoes and their size. The project tested the system with three potato producers this year and found the system was effective – particularly during the predominantly dry season experienced in the region.

Zobam’s built-in intelligence maps out the growth parameters of each potato with the help of sensor data, allowing it to adapt its delivery of water and nutrients to the needs of individual potatoes. It also monitors soil temperature and humidity, enabling early identification of disease and therefore the opportunity for timely and effective treatment.

The ERDF and the SME Innovation Incentive Scheme for the region joined together to provide subsidies for farmers testing Zobam over the summer. So far, Zobam has been shown to make the production of potatoes more efficient and sustainable, and potentially double a farmer’s normal yield, the project says.

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Source article on https://www.boerderij.nl 30/08/18

Author: Petra Vos