Millán et al. (2025) Digital Twin Irrigation Strategies to Mitigate Drought Effects in Processing Tomatoes

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Identification

• Journal: Horticulturae
• Year: 2025
• Date: 2025-12-26
• Authors: Sandra Millán, Jaume Casadesús, J.M. Vadillo, Carlos Campillo
• DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae12010028

Research Groups

[Not specified in the provided text]

Short Summary

This study evaluates the IrriDesK digital twin for automated irrigation management and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) in processing tomatoes. It found that IrriDesK achieved 30–45% water savings while maintaining adequate crop water status and improving fruit quality, despite some yield reduction, demonstrating its potential for sustainable agriculture.

Objective

• To evaluate the potential of the IrriDesK digital twin as a tool for automated irrigation management and the implementation of regulated deficit irrigation strategies tailored to the crop’s water status and phenological stage.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Experimental plot
• Temporal Scale: Two consecutive growing seasons (2023–2024)

Methodology and Data

• Models used: IrriDesK digital twin (DT)
• Data sources: Lysimeter measurements, leaf water potential (Ψleaf) monitoring, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) monitoring

Main Results

• Water consumption reductions of 30–45% were achieved in RDI treatments (T2 and T3) compared to full irrigation (T1).
• Applied irrigation volumes were 277–400 mm for RDI treatments versus approximately 570 mm for full irrigation, remaining within the sustainability threshold of <500 mm (5000 m³ ha⁻¹).
• Monitoring of leaf water potential and NDVI confirmed the digital twin's ability to dynamically adjust irrigation and maintain adequate water status during critical crop phases.
• Full irrigation (T1) achieved the highest yields (≈135 t ha⁻¹), while RDI strategies (T2 and T3) resulted in yields of 90–108 t ha⁻¹.
• RDI strategies improved fruit quality, with increases in total soluble solids content of up to 10–15% (°Brix).

Contributions

• Demonstrates the practical application and effectiveness of a specific digital twin (IrriDesK) for automated regulated deficit irrigation in processing tomatoes.
• Quantifies significant water savings (30–45%) achievable with the digital twin while maintaining crop profitability and improving fruit quality.
• Provides evidence for the digital twin's ability to dynamically manage irrigation based on real-time crop water status and phenology, enhancing resilience to drought.

Funding

[Not specified in the provided text]

Citation

@article{Millán2025Digital,
  author = {Millán, Sandra and Casadesús, Jaume and Vadillo, J.M. and Campillo, Carlos},
  title = {Digital Twin Irrigation Strategies to Mitigate Drought Effects in Processing Tomatoes},
  journal = {Horticulturae},
  year = {2025},
  doi = {10.3390/horticulturae12010028},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12010028}
}