The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) through the leadership of Dr. Armando N. Espino Jr. initiated the project, “Improving Production Efficiency and Cane Yield in a Sugarcane Block Farm using an automated Furrow Irrigation System” aimed to introduce to farmers a robust, alternative option to facilitate precision irrigation in sugarcane production for 20% increased in water application efficiency and productivity. Specifically, it aims to: (1) develop an affordable and functional automated furrow irrigation system for sugarcane block farms; (2) develop a flexible design package for automated furrow irrigation system for varying combination of furrow length and furrow intake to achieve optimum efficiency; (3) compare the actual performance of automated furrow irrigation with traditional furrow irrigation practice; (4) assess the economic and technical feasibility of utilizing a cost-effective automated furrow irrigation system in sugarcane production; (5) develop the capability to locally fabricate sensors, automated flow gates and control system for application in smart farming system; and (6) provide training to technicians and planters on the use of automated furrow irrigation system technologies for sugarcane.
AFIS yielded 58% higher than the non-automated FIS, high water savings at 47%, and high water productivity (yield per unit volume of water used) at 132.87 kg/m3. The amount of sugar that can be recovered per ton-cane was higher at 1.98Lkg/TC compared with the non-automated FIS at 1.48 Lkg/TC.
