Mischenko et al. (2026) Automated Control Systems for Wide-Cover Irrigation Machines: Analysis and Prospects for Application in Bridge Farming

Identification

• Journal: International Agricultural Journal
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-01-13
• Authors: Nikolay Mischenko, Denis Andreevich Lebedev
• DOI: 10.55186/2588020920259614

Research Groups

• Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «All-Russian Scientific Research Institute «Raduga»

Short Summary

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of modern automation systems for wide-cover center pivot irrigation machines, examining their three levels of automation to establish technical requirements for developing a domestic multifunctional electrified bridge-type agricultural unit for reclaimed lands. It concludes that these systems are evolving towards intelligent, predictive management based on integrated data and water balance models, leading to significant resource savings and increased yields.

Objective

• To provide a comprehensive analysis of modern automation systems for wide-cover center pivot irrigation machines.
• To establish technical requirements for creating an automated control system for a multifunctional electrified bridge-type agricultural unit, specifically for domestic bridge farming technology on reclaimed lands.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Field-level (analysis of systems operating on agricultural fields).
• Temporal Scale: Analysis of current technological trends and evolution of systems over time; no specific experimental temporal scale.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: System analysis and comparative review. The study discusses the use of PID controllers and water balance models within the analyzed automation systems.
• Data sources: Architectural principles, technical characteristics, and functional capabilities of automation systems from leading global manufacturers (Valley/Valmont Irrigation, Lindsay/Zimmatic, T-L Irrigation, Reinke).

Main Results

• Modern automation systems for wide-cover irrigation machines are structured into three interconnected levels:
  1. Motion Control and Alignment: Evolution from mechanical cables to radar/laser rangefinders and highly accurate GPS modules for position monitoring. Control is managed by programmable logic controllers (PLCs) with advanced algorithms (e.g., PID controllers). Actuators include electromechanical drives (e.g., Valley, Lindsay, Reinke, emphasizing energy efficiency) and hydrostatic drives (e.g., T-L Irrigation, emphasizing high power and reliability in challenging conditions).
  2. Irrigation Management: Focuses on maintaining nominal pipeline pressure using automatic pressure regulators and controlling application rates by adjusting machine speed. The most advanced feature is Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) technology, which uses electronic prescription maps based on soil properties, topography, and crop conditions for adaptive, spatially differentiated water application.
  3. Remote Monitoring, Control, and Data Analysis: Platforms (e.g., FieldNET, Valley 365) integrate machine telemetry (coordinates, speed, pressure, water flow, status) with external data from soil sensors, weather stations, and remote sensing (satellite, UAVs). These systems enable remote operation and predictive management based on water balance models, optimizing irrigation schedules and rates.
• The overall trend is a shift from simple automation to intelligent agricultural systems capable of predictive, adaptive management, leading to significant savings in water and energy resources, increased yields, and enhanced environmental safety.

Contributions

• Provides a comprehensive, multi-level analysis of current automation systems for wide-cover irrigation machines from leading global manufacturers.
• Identifies key technological trends and architectural solutions in irrigation automation, from basic motion control to advanced VRI and remote predictive management.
• Establishes a foundation of justified technical requirements for the development of a domestic automated control system for a multifunctional electrified bridge-type agricultural unit, specifically for bridge farming technology on reclaimed lands.
• Highlights the shift towards intelligent, data-integrated systems for resource optimization and environmental sustainability in agriculture.

Funding

• State Assignment (Государственного задания) for the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «All-Russian Scientific Research Institute «Raduga».

Citation

@article{Mischenko2026Automated,
  author = {Mischenko, Nikolay and Lebedev, Denis Andreevich},
  title = {Automated Control Systems for Wide-Cover Irrigation Machines: Analysis and Prospects for Application in Bridge Farming},
  journal = {International Agricultural Journal},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.55186/25880209_2025_9_6_14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.55186/25880209_2025_9_6_14}
}