The Tech Behind the Fields
At the center of this transformation is an Integrated Smart Irrigation & Fertilization System, locally developed by Zhangye’s own enterprises. Covering over 2,000 acres (2,091 mu) with an investment of 1.2 million RMB, the project has transformed traditional farmland into "ridge-free" level fields optimized for surface water drip irrigation.
This isn't just about pipes and water; it’s a sophisticated ecosystem powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data. The system includes:
IoT Control Center & Cloud Management: The "brain" of the operation.
Meteorological & Crop Monitoring: Real-time tracking of weather conditions, wind speed, humidity, and pest outbreaks.
Precision Field Systems: Automated soil moisture sensors and unmanned irrigation hardware.
Data-Driven Farming: How it Works
By analyzing data such as evapotranspiration rates and soil water-holding capacity, the system determines the exact moment a crop needs water or fertilizer. This "on-demand" approach eliminates the guesswork of traditional farming, allowing for remote visualization and precise control over every drop of water and gram of pesticide.
The Results: Efficiency by the Numbers
The impact on the Atlantic potato demonstration base in Sanbao Town has been nothing short of remarkable. Here is how the smart system compares to traditional methods:
Massive Water Savings: Total water consumption per mu is expected to be around 180 cubic meters—a staggering 40% reduction compared to the 200–250 cubic meters saved over traditional irrigation.
Increased Productivity: Yields are projected to jump from 2.5 tons to over 3 tons per mu, representing a 40% increase in production capacity.
Efficiency Gains: Water resource utilization has surged from 50.3% to 72%.
Economic Impact: The system reduces costs and increases income by more than 600 RMB per mu, with an annual maintenance cost of only 38 RMB per mu.
Looking Ahead
The success in Minle County is just the beginning. Zhangye officials plan to monitor the long-term benefits of this project closely. By 2025, this smart irrigation model will be expanded to other major crops, including seed production, vegetables, and wheat.
As water scarcity becomes a global challenge, Zhangye’s "Smart Irrigation" model offers a hopeful blueprint for the future of sustainable, high-efficiency agriculture.
