Modern horticulture generates more data than ever before. Sensors can continuously monitor soil moisture, environmental conditions and plant responses, providing valuable insights into crop performance. Yet for growers and advisors, data alone are rarely enough. The real challenge lies in turning information into meaningful decisions.

This is exactly where the Irristaud project comes in.

Across the project, researchers and technology partners are working with a variety of sensing technologies. These include soil moisture sensors, remote sensing systems and other tools that help monitor plant health and irrigation needs. Together, these technologies generate large amounts of information that could support more efficient and sustainable crop management.

However, most growers do not want to spend their day interpreting raw sensor data. Instead, they need practical answers to practical questions. Does a crop require irrigation? Are there signs of stress developing? Which areas of a field or nursery deserve closer attention? And ultimately: how do I include the information in my farm management decisions?

To address these needs, the Irristaud consortium is developing a dashboard that brings together data from different sources and presents them in a user-friendly way. The goal is to transform complex datasets into clear indicators and recommendations that support day-to-day management decisions.

An important aspect of this work is the close involvement of end users. Through workshops, demonstrations and co-creation activities, growers and advisors provide feedback on dashboard concepts and functionalities. Their perspectives help ensure that the final system is not only technologically advanced but also practical and intuitive to use.

Current discussions focus on questions such as which indicators are most relevant for decision-making, how alerts should be communicated and how recommendations can be presented transparently. These considerations are essential for creating a tool that users can trust and integrate into their existing workflows.

As development continues, the dashboard will become a central element of the Irristaud approach, connecting sensor technologies, data analysis and practical decision support. By translating information into action, the project aims to help growers make better-informed irrigation and crop management decisions while improving resource efficiency.