94 CULTIVAR ANALYSIS AND PROSPECTIVE STUDIES No. 35 Olive groves and olive oil b) Intelligen t cooperativ e robotic s applied to precisio n olive cultivation We have been collaborating with other partners on the development of an advanced technological solution for irrigation and fertilisation in hedgerow olive groves, by optimising water and nutrient efficiency and implementing differentiated management based on zones or trees with greater needs. A cooperative robotic system is used: a groundbased robot, equipped with cameras and sensors, which navigates autonomously between the rows agronomic parameters, such as the crop yield potential, its water and nutrient status, and the fruit’s stage of ripeness. In a commercial olive grove planted in the hedgerow system, we have established plots with different irrigation and fertilisation regimes, with the aim of inducing controlled levels of water and nutrient stress in the olive trees. Among the treatments under consideration, water savings of close to 50% have been observed (Figure 7); with regard to fertilisation, in one of the treatments under observation, the application of fertiliser was eliminated. To monitor the annual cycle of the olive grove, we have installed sensors in the soil, on the plant and on the fruit. Figure 6 – Autonomous ground robot (top ) and aeriarol bot – drone (bottom) – for collecting visual samples from the crowns of olive trees Source: https://olivaria.eu/descripcion/ of olive trees and collects visual samples from the canopies; and an aerial robot (drone) that flies over the olive grove recording zenithal images (Figure 6). The images and data processed with the aid of Artificial Intelligence, together with the integration of information from the soil and plant sensor systems and real-time data analysis, will enable inferences to be drawn about essential For soil monitoring, probes were installed to continuously record information that is made available in real time: on moisture, temperature, electrical conductivity and levels of N, P and K at three depths – 20, 40 and 60 cm (Figure 8). The effect of induced water and nutrient stress was also determined by measurements taken on twigs and leaves, specifically the potential water status Figure 7 – Experimental plot and fertigation treatments applied
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