Developing a GIS-based spatial decision support system for automated tree crop management to optimize irrigation inputs

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the application of geographic information systems (GIS) for the development of spatial decision support systems (SDSS). The current paper presents the development of a GIS-based SDSS for precision management of tree crops. The SDSS is being developed within the framework of the '3D-Mosaic' project which aims at optimizing water consumption in orchards by employing precision agriculture methods through the application of information and communication technology (ICT). Orchards in Turkey and in Germany are monitored for plant and fruit growth under different environmental conditions and irrigation regimes. An autonomous platform is employed for the acquisition of plant data using vision systems and laser scanners for yield and leaf area prediction, and stationary crop quality sensors with wireless data transmission to the platform. Data collected by these systems on fruit development, fruit quality and tree condition, combined with acquisition of abiotic data regarding soil, terrain and climatic conditions, are used to construct a 3D GIS database. The database is currently analyzed using spatial statistical methods to assess the spatial variability of the orchard and of its environmental conditions, to determine correlations between the two and to develop management zones. These will be used for building an SDSS for site-specific orchard irrigation to support farmers in efficient and sustainable management of orchards.