Introducing Optimized

WayBeyond’s new series spotlighting real-world results from data-driven crop management.

Each edition explores how innovative tools, climate insights, and agronomic strategies combine to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize yield, one decision at a time.

From irrigation and fertigation to climate forecasts and beyond, we break down what worked, how, and why it matters for growers.

How one grower used ETo forecasts to reduce water use by 16%

Every grower knows irrigation decisions can make or break a season, but what if you could optimize them using climate data and crop demand instead of guesswork?

That’s the question WayBeyond’s Dr. Tharindu Weeraratne (Dr. T) and Andrea Ortega set out to answer during a field study with a tomato-on-the-vine grower in Mexico. Their goal? To see how FarmRoad’s reference evapotranspiration (ETo) forecasting tools could turn daily decisions into measurable savings.

The Goal

To optimize irrigation for substrate-grown tomatoes using daily ETo, radiation forecasts, and real-time climate data.

The Method

An irrigation zone was selected. Grower-led irrigation was applied for five days, and in the next five days, a data-informed irrigation strategy based on ETo and real-time data was applied. 

Water use was measured using milliliters per joule of radiation (ml/Joule), allowing a clear efficiency comparison.

WayBeyond Intern Andrea Ortega onsite

FarmRoad sensor monitoring climate in the tomato greenhouse

The Results

• 16% reduction in water use (based on ml/joule) with the ETo-based strategy
• No compromise observed in fruit quality or plant health
• Estimated $3,200/ha in fertilizer savings (based on average hydroponic input costs of $20,000/ha)

Why It Matters

Many growers pay directly for water and also use their irrigation systems for delivering fertilizer to crops, so improving water efficiency directly impacts their input costs. This research shows that pairing ETo forecasting with system capabilities and real-time data can unlock more intelligent decision-making and real-world ROI

WayBeyond Recommendations

For growers looking to optimize irrigation using data and climate insights, here are four practical steps based on this study:

1. Use ETo forecasting as your starting point.
   

   Evapotranspiration forecast data helps determine how much water your crop truly needs—before over- or under-watering happens. 

2. Calculate and regularly adjust your crop coefficient (Kc).

   Fine-tuning your Kc based on real-time irrigation measurements allows you to adapt irrigation plans to specific varieties, substrates, and seasonal changes.

3. Design irrigation strategies around system capabilities.

   Knowing what your system can deliver (and when) ensures that any strategy you create is actually executable in the field or greenhouse.

4. Evaluate results, then refine.

   Use comparative testing—even in small zones—to understand what works best for your conditions. Then iterate. 

Smart irrigation is not a one-time decision. It’s a repeatable process that helps you get better every day.

Read more about how FarmRoad can help you with smart irrigation here.