Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) has implemented a variable-rate drip irrigation system using images obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and satellite systems, a first in the world. Prof. Dr. Eyüp Selim Köksal, a faculty member of OMU's Faculty of Agriculture in the Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation, explained: "The main purpose of the system is to evaluate the images taken from satellites and UAVs to apply different amounts of water to different regions."

The project, supported by TÜBİTAK ARDEP-1001 program, is being carried out in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture's Departments of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation, Field Crops, Bafra Vocational School, and the industry in Samsun's Ladik district. The project aims to ensure the efficient use of water in large agricultural areas by implementing irrigation automation and variable-rate irrigation.

"We Developed a New System to Reduce Waste"

Providing details about the project, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Selim Köksal stated, "We developed a new system to reduce waste in irrigation for large agricultural lands. Due to soil and plant variability in large agricultural areas, different regions require varying amounts of irrigation water. With this system, both sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation can be applied, and water and fertilizers can be delivered to different regions in different amounts via drip irrigation. The system was tested at Ladik's trial site and obtained positive results. TÜBİTAK also supports our project."

Cost Savings in Inputs

Prof. Dr. Eyüp Selim Köksal added, "The system's main aim is to evaluate images from satellites and UAVs to apply different amounts of water to various regions. Based on these images, the system will automatically distribute varying amounts of water to large areas. This will allow us to save on labor, input costs, and water and increase yields, leading to more profitable production."

"This is Being Applied Here for the First Time in the World and in Türkiye"

Köksal emphasized the project's uniqueness: "The technology we developed allows variable-rate irrigation using drip irrigation. It is the first time this has been implemented in both the world and Turkey. We are continuing tests in Ladik to identify any shortcomings and aim to bring the system to an applicable level through this project."