Agrotech company Sencrop is focusing on the transition to precision irrigation with the recent launch of its Solarcrop sensor. Combined with Raincrop and Windcrop sensors, Solarcrop calculates evapotranspiration and generates water balance automatically.
By measuring solar radiation, the company's new patented Irradiance sensor solution and application is aimed at optimal irrigation management. activity an agricultural technology start-up founded in 2016 has so far mainly focused on managing climate risks, diseases and pests. With the introduction of Solarcrop, a third line of work is added: water stress management and irrigation management.
The French agritech company notes that optimal irrigation management is becoming increasingly important due to the cost and availability of water. In order to be able to irrigate the right amount at the right time and in the right place, Sencrop believes it is essential to estimate as accurately as possible the amount of moisture available in the soil for the crop. Therefore, the company has developed the Solarcrop irradiation sensor and accompanying application, as well as a measurement method that can determine the need for crops to irrigate.
“The environmental issue around irrigation is no longer being questioned. Already in 2010, the European Commission indicated that Europe could reduce water consumption by 40 percent by optimizing irrigation systems,” explain Sencrop co-founders Martin Ducroquet and Michael Brunio.
With Irricrop's new package combining three of their sensors, the company wants to offer a simple installation tool, helping farmers to monitor the useful water supply for their crops and therefore predict water needs as accurately as possible. “This evolution of our offering is fully in line with our original mission of democratizing precision farming,” the co-founders conclude.