APPLICATION SMART IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY VIA SMART FARM TO CO2 EMISSION MITIGATION, CASE STUDY FOR ORGANIC VEGETABLE FARM IN BEN TRE, VIETNAM

Climate change has increasingly led to severe environmental challenges, including water shortages, droughts, and saltwater intrusion, which significantly impact agricultural production in Vietnam. Ba Tri District, Ben Tre Province, is among the regions severely affected by irrigation water shortages. This study examines the current agricultural practices, irrigation water sources for organic farming, and the environmental and climatic conditions in the district. Based on these assessments, a smart automated irrigation system was implemented to optimize water and fertilizer management for organic vegetable cultivation. The system operates using soil moisture sensors to ensure precise and timely water supply. An experimental model was designed with a treatment using smart irrigation and a control without automation, focusing on mustard greens and water spinach in Ben Tre, Vietnam. The results showed that the smart irrigation model reduced water use by 25–30% and fertilizer application by 22–25%, while increasing vegetable yield by 12–15% and reducing labor demands. Additionally, the estimated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions was approximately 1.525 tons of CO₂ equivalent per hectare per cultivation cycle. This research highlights the potential of smart irrigation technology for improving resource efficiency, mitigating climate change impacts, and advancing sustainable agriculture. The findings contribute to environmental protection, align with Agriculture 4.0 principles, and support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).