Plant Protection, Fertilizing and Irrigation Digitalization and automatization of agricultural irrigation in Germany

Germany experienced historic droughts in the summers of 2018 and 2019. These events clearly indicate that irrigation will continue to become more relevant for the stability of the agricultural sector of multiple regions in Germany. Simultaneously, increased demand for irrigation water for agriculture correlates with increased intra-sectoral allocation conflict – especially with drinking-water suppliers and consumers. Water-use efficiency in the agricultural sector will become even more important given the economic and sustainability discourses that define our future. Irrigation is undergoing both a digital and a technical transformation. The following discussion provides an overview of the current developments in digitization and automation of irrigation systems for agriculture.