In a world that's facing the effects of climate change, farming is under economic and
ecological pressure like never before. Whether talking about higher costs, increased demand, or nitrogen restrictions, the need for efficiency and sustainability is paramount.
One way in which farmers are tackling these pressures is through smart farming - a concept that describes the intersection of existing agricultural processes and emerging technologies. Within that sphere is smart irrigation, and in this blog, we look at what it involves.
So, What Is Smart Irrigation?
Essentially, smart irrigation technology represents the blending of cutting-edge irrigation hardware and software that optimizes a farmer's crop water delivery. Able to monitor real- time weather and soil moisture data, this innovation allows for precise control of crops to ensure maximum yields.
Smart irrigation technology reduces water wastage while also helping to maintain plant
quality and health. Suitable for a wide array of agricultural settings, it takes all of the
guesswork out of the process.
The Benefits of Smart Irrigation
The concepts of Digital Twin and Irrigation 4.0 are becoming increasingly familiar in farming applications and offer a multitude of benefits, such as the ability to:
●Calculate point-based soil data and spatial weather
●Ensure real-time monitoring & control of moisture in the soil
●Facilitate holistic visualization of operational functions e.g. nutrients, water flow
●Predict the necessary quantities of nutrients & water for precise timespans
●Archive exact evidence of operational data for regulatory bodies
When this precise control of real-world irrigation processes can be measured and
incorporated, irrigation managers and farmers are able to accurately control plant stress and hydration. This can result in a fully-balanced system that increases harvest.
The Equipment Used in Smart Irrigation
In order to obtain precise meteorological data from publicly available sources, signal-based controllers are employed. This data is then sent to an irrigation control via a wireless connection. Other equipment employed includes:
●Soil moisture sensors (located in the plant's root zone)
●Water flow sensors (connected to the water pump motor valve)
●Temperature sensors
●DC pumping motors
●Microcontrollers
●Power Batteries
All this equipment allows for 24/7 monitoring of all metrics, with all necessary adjustments happening automatically. As soon as temperature or moisture levels fluctuate, water flow is turned on or off according to what's required or as per controlled timings.
Helping Clients Find the Ideal Irrigation Setup
The advances that have been ushered in during the digital age have pervaded every area of society, and agriculture is no different. Smart irrigation represents an evolution in the farming sphere, and its application ensures that operational efficiency & performance are achieved.
At Irriline, we're a leading Vancouver-based global manufacturer and distributor of high-quality irrigation equipment for systems that offer precise control of crop water delivery.
We're committed to offering value for money and the quality of the die-cast aluminum tubing & fittings, sprinklers, and drip irrigation systems is second to none.
To learn more about how our irrigations can help you, don't hesitate to call
+1604 6084315 or email us at sales@irriline.com.