Hampshire Farm Cuts Water Waste With High-Tech Solutions

Westlands Farm estimates it will save 1.6 million litres of water this year - that’s over half the water in an Olympic sized swimming pool.

The farm installed a ‘Soil Moisture Sense’ system two years ago. It supports the farm’s popular soft fruit production by accurately irrigating strawberries and raspberries without excessive water usage.

Westlands’ sensor-driven technology has already reduced water consumption by around 30%. The system is projected to save approximately 1600 cubic metres of water this year alone.

With advanced sensors and drip irrigation technology, the tool monitors the water content of each plant’s pot in real-time. This makes sure that water is delivered only when needed and in the exact amount required. Water is applied directly to the roots of the plants through a precision drip irrigation system, one of the most efficient methods of watering in modern agriculture.

By closely monitoring air temperature, humidity, and the uptake of water by the plants, the system is crucial for growing crops in optimal conditions with minimal waste. The entire irrigation system is monitored remotely via smartphone, giving the farm team instant access to real-time data wherever they are.

Farmer and owner of Westlands Farm, Graham Collett, said:

“Growing raspberries is now a high-tech affair. We are always looking for ways to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious.”

As part of Westlands’ sustainability commitment, the water used on the farm is sourced from its own rainwater reservoir, significantly reducing reliance on external water supplies. By capturing water during wetter months, the farm can be sure of a steady, self-sufficient supply during dry periods.