The application of smart watering system

Background:

A smart watering system is a way of preventing water wastage on a small scale (such as a home garden) or even on a large scale (such as a football field or farmland). Iran has a hot and dry climate and faces water shortages. However, around 80-90% of the country’s water is wasted on agriculture. Therefore, we should improve the way of irrigation in the country to prevent this disaster.

The smart watering system automatically runs the hours and adjusts the watering schedule to meet the needs of your landscape. Unlike traditional irrigation controllers that work based on pre-set schedules and timers, smart irrigation controllers calculate weather, soil conditions, evaporation, and plant water needs, and automatically adjust watering schedules based on current conditions in the field. For example, when the weather heats up or rainfall decreases, smart irrigation controllers control the frequency and duration of watering, taking into account local-specific factors such as soil type. While you’re at home, you can water and fertilize your fields from your smartphone.

There are two types of smart irrigation controllers:

weather-based controller
Controller Based on Soil Moisture Sensor
Depending on the geographic characteristics of your area, you can choose one of the above systems.

weather-based controller
Weather-based controllers use local weather data to manage watering schedules. In this way, the plants and the ground will get enough water. This controller combines evaporation from solid surfaces and transpiration from plants.

The ET controller uses four parameters:

temperature
wind
Sun radiation
humidity
These four parameters are the most accurate way to measure a site’s water needs.

Controller Based on Soil Moisture Sensor
This controller is one of several technologies used to measure soil moisture content.

When these sensors are buried in the roots of turf, trees or shrubs, they can determine accurate soil moisture levels and send the data to a controller.

There are two different types of soil moisture sensor based systems:

Irrigation on demand: The system does not need any scheduling of watering time, only the start time and day of the week of watering can be arranged. In this system, the upper and lower water levels are determined, and the intelligent system will start irrigation according to the amount of water required by the soil.
Pause cycle irrigation systems adjust watering schedules, irrigation start times and durations just like traditional controllers.
The difference between this system and the old system is that if there is enough moisture in the soil, the system will stop the next watering.

Advantages of smart watering system:

1.Both watering and defecation
Irrigation through smart systems is much more effective and efficient compared to traditional systems. The system will automatically identify, irrigate and defecate any areas that require water and humidity. Whereas traditional systems just work according to a given program, and it is possible that some areas will be overwatered as other parts will remain dry.

2.The system will be installed underground
Since the system will be installed underground, there are no unsightly hoses traversing the ground. Sprinklers raise their heads when water is needed and then set when irrigation is complete. The drip irrigation system is even hidden from view.

3.It is drip type
The smart irrigation system works as a drip irrigation system. It has a soil moisture sensor and is a good alternative to traditional watering methods. This is the best solution to reduce water waste.

4.This irrigation system will stop when it rains
Smart irrigation systems know when to start watering, how long it takes, and when the job is done. It even knows what days to water. The system will take soil moisture into account and stop the next watering when it rains. So don’t worry about your plants coming back to water, you can control the location from your smartphone or computer from outside.

Disadvantages of smart watering system:

Smart watering systems are a bit pricey. Depending on the size of your property, you will need more systems. Of course, saving money on water bills reduces costs.

If you want to use this system for lawn watering, it is best to secure it in the ground before planting. Because some parts of the lawn will be damaged by holes.