Simply put, METOS FWT is a new product in the METOS by Pessl Instruments portfolio and absolute news in the AgTech sector of smart irrigation. Until now, prototypes of field water tubes (FWT) with some electronics and IoT infrastructure integrations were deployed only in research projects. The METOS FWT with state-of-the-art global connectivity protocols is the first smart field water tube ready for commercial distribution.

The manual FWT is already a common tool in lowland rice cultivations where the AWD (Alternate Wetting and Drying) methodology has been introduced, but METOS FWT is a cost-effective solution that allows the digitalization of a monitoring operation typically conducted manually. The advantage of remote and continuous control of the water level allows for a more precise application of the AWD technique. The environmental benefits of the AWD in comparison with conventional flooded rice cultivation are well-established: increased water use efficiency, mitigation of GHG (methane) emissions by creating healthier roots and consequently decreased global warming potential.