Google supports a project to introduce artificial intelligence into Belgian agriculture. The initiative is being implemented by Agua Segura and Agrow Analytics on more than 1,000 hectares in the Schelde river basin. The goal is to reduce water consumption for irrigation and fertilizer use, saving up to 158 million gallons (about 600,000 cubic meters) of water.

The Agrow Analytics technology platform combines satellite and thermal imagery, climate, water and soil data. The system provides farmers with precise guidelines for when to water, how much water to use, and where fertilizer can be reduced. This reduces pressure on local water resources and decreases the nutrient runoff that affects water quality.

The project is part of Google’s work to support communities located around its data centers. For Google, this is a contribution to water risk management within the ESG strategy. Savings are expected to be achieved by reducing the annual need for irrigation and improving fertilizer use throughout the project.