SMART IRRIGATION SYSTEM WEATHERING THE DROUGHT: HOW TO MANAGE YOUR YARD SUSTAINABLY

While watering bans are sometimes a necessity, one shouldn’t forget the tremendous environmental benefits our landscapes offer. Trees, shrubs, flowers and even grass help regulate outdoor temperature and humidity in urban areas, harbor pollinators, and other wildlife, protect the soil from erosion, and introduce welcome beauty into our daily lives. They also often offer the only patches of nature many children experience. Therefore, it’s important to do what we can to help keep our landscapes as healthy as possible when conditions get tough.

Install a smart irrigation system.

Today’s smart systems consist of new technology in sprinklers for improved coverage and controllers that collect temperature and moisture data from your property and automatically deliver the perfect amount of water for your plant’s needs. In combination with the right sprinklers, at the right pressure, in the right place, and with the right nozzles, a smart system can cut water use by 20% up to more than 40% compared to a conventional system. For optimal efficiency, such a system is best installed by a professional. Most smart irrigation systems pay for themselves in water savings within 2 years.

Weather-Based Smart Irrigation Technology

Also known as ET-based technology, a weather-based irrigation system includes either a mini on-site weather station or weather sensor capable of monitoring conditions such as temperature, rainfall, and solar radiation on your property, or this same information is broadcast to the irrigation controller from a remote weather site. Depending on the model, the sensor hardware requires an existing controller to be replaced with a weather-based controller with the technology integrated into the controller or come as an add-on receiver to your existing controller. Typically, the sensors are quite small and can be mounted inconspicuously on a building, fence post, or another object in your yard. Most have wireless communication between the sensor and the controller

Moisture-Based Smart Irrigation Technology

The other type of smart irrigation system is a moisture-based system. This technology uses sensors to measure the actual moisture content of the soil. It then adjusts the time of irrigation water based on this data. As with weather-based systems, moisture-based systems are marketed both as integrated controllers and as add-on technology. Prices for this type of system vary considerably, from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars.

Be aware that there are two distinct types of moisture-based systems available. The first, referred to as suspended-cycle irrigation, uses a traditional timed and automated watering schedule. The only difference is that it doesn’t allow watering to happen if the soil moisture threshold is too high. However, if the soil is too dry it won’t adjust the pre-programmed schedule to allow for additional watering. Many of these sensors can be added to an existing traditional controller.

Other Components of a Smart Irrigation System

Sensors and controllers are only a part of the picture. To fully utilize their benefits, other factors must be in place, such as water-efficient emitters such as rotors and spray heads. As with any irrigation system, zoning is also an important aspect to consider for overall efficiency and plant health. A properly designed and installed smart irrigation system can save significant water and money while improving plant health by providing optimal soil moisture conditions. Many factors must be considered for the proper installation of a smart irrigation system. Some of these include:

• Landscape beds on separate zones from grass
• Sprinkler pressure & placement
• Emitter & nozzle selection
• Water demand estimation
• Plant requirements

The instrument must be properly installed, programmed, and calibrated. It must also be monitored over time and may need periodic re-calibration as conditions change. Most homeowners choose to consult a landscape professional as the easiest, most effective way to get the most value from the technology. Switching to a smart irrigation system is a truly “smart” way to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful lawn and landscape.