Smart Irrigation: Save Water & Plants
Water is a precious resource, and efficient use is paramount, especially in gardening and landscaping. Smart irrigation systems are revolutionizing how we water our plants, offering a way to conserve water, save money, and promote healthier growth. This article explores the benefits of smart irrigation, different system types, practical tips for implementation, and how to maintain these systems for optimal performance.
Understanding Smart Irrigation Systems
What is Smart Irrigation?
Smart irrigation systems are advanced technologies that automate and optimize watering schedules based on real-time data. Unlike traditional timer-based systems that operate on fixed schedules, smart systems adjust watering according to actual conditions, ensuring plants receive the precise amount of water they need. These systems commonly utilize weather data, soil moisture sensors, and evapotranspiration rates to determine when and how much to water (EPA, 2016).
Benefits of Smart Irrigation
- Water Conservation: Smart controllers significantly reduce water usage by preventing overwatering. The EPA estimates that these technologies can decrease outdoor water use by 20% to 50% (EPA, 2016).
- Improved Efficiency: Traditional irrigation often leads to water waste due to evaporation and runoff. Smart controllers can improve irrigation efficiency by as much as 30%, ensuring water is applied directly to the root zone (Dandy et al., 2018).
- Cost Savings: By reducing water consumption, smart irrigation systems can lead to substantial savings on water bills. Homeowners and businesses could save hundreds of dollars annually (CUWCC, 2019).
- Enhanced Plant Health: Efficient irrigation practices result in healthier plants and improved crop yields. Precision watering helps plants become more resilient against pests and diseases (Waller et al., 2020).
- Environmental Protection: Minimizing water waste and runoff helps protect local ecosystems by reducing nutrient leaching and soil erosion (Dandy et al., 2018).
- Remote Monitoring and Control: Many smart irrigation systems can be controlled remotely via smartphones or computers, providing convenience and peace of mind (The Landmark Group).
Types of Smart Irrigation Controllers
There are primarily two types of smart irrigation controllers:
Weather-Based Controllers (Evapotranspiration - ET)
Weather-based controllers, also known as evapotranspiration (ET) controllers, use local weather data to adjust irrigation schedules. Evapotranspiration is the combination of evaporation from the soil surface and transpiration by plants. These controllers gather weather information and make real-time adjustments to provide the appropriate amount of water. Weather data includes temperature, wind, solar radiation, and humidity (HydroPoint).
There are three main forms of weather-based ET controllers (HydroPoint):
- Signal-Based Controllers: These use meteorological data from publicly available sources to calculate the ET value for a grass surface at the site. The ET data is then sent to the controller wirelessly.
- Historic ET Controllers: These use a pre-programmed water use curve based on historical water use in different regions, adjusted for temperature and solar radiation.
- On-Site Weather Measurement Controllers: These collect weather data on-site to calculate continuous ET measurements and water accordingly.
Soil Moisture Sensor Controllers
Soil moisture sensor controllers use direct measurements of soil moisture to adjust irrigation schedules. A sensor is placed in the root zone, estimating the volumetric water content. The controller then opens the valves and starts irrigation when the moisture level drops below a user-defined threshold (Oklahoma State University Extension).
There are two types of soil moisture sensor-based systems (HydroPoint):
- Suspended Cycle Irrigation Systems: Set like traditional timer controllers with watering schedules, start times, and duration. The system will stop the next scheduled irrigation when there is enough moisture in the soil.
- Water on Demand Irrigation: Requires no programming of irrigation duration, only start times and days of the week to water. It has user-set lower and upper thresholds, initiating irrigation when the soil moisture level fails to meet those levels.
Implementing a Smart Irrigation System
Implementing a smart irrigation system involves several steps:
1. Assessing Your Landscape's Needs
Understand the specific watering needs of your plants, soil type, and local climate. Group plants with similar watering requirements together to create efficient watering zones (Department of Energy and Water Supply).
2. Choosing the Right System
Select a smart irrigation system that suits your landscape size and complexity. Consider features like weather-based controllers and soil moisture sensors (Calsense).
3. Installation
Correct installation is crucial. Follow manufacturer instructions or hire a professional. If connecting to the main water source, a plumber may be needed to install a gate valve cut-in (Nutrien Water).
4. Programming
Set up your system according to your landscape's needs. Adjust schedules for different zones based on plant type and sunlight exposure (Calsense). Consider setting triggers based on weather events, such as turning off irrigation when it rains over a certain amount (Living Water Smart).
5. Monitoring and Adjustment
Regularly monitor weather conditions and adjust watering schedules accordingly to avoid unnecessary watering during rain. Smart systems can skip watering cycles during or after periods of rain (Nutrien Water).
Practical Tips for Water Conservation
Even with a smart irrigation system, several additional practices can further enhance water conservation:
- Build Healthy Soil: Add compost and organic matter regularly to improve water retention and drainage (Fine Gardening).
- Plant Selection: Choose drought-tolerant plants suited to your local climate. Native plants, succulents, and Mediterranean plants are excellent choices (Fine Gardening, Green Oasis Lawn and Reticulation).
- Mulch Everything: Mulch reduces evaporation and suppresses weeds. Use materials like wood chips, leaves, or grass clippings (Fine Gardening).
- Watering Techniques: Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root systems. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation (Fine Gardening).
- Reduce Lawn Areas: Replace portions of your lawn with drought-tolerant groundcovers, rocks, or mulch to decrease water consumption (Earth's Ally).
Maintaining Your Smart Irrigation System
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your smart irrigation system running efficiently:
- Regular Inspections: Check for leaks, clogs, and damaged parts (The Relining Company).
- Clean Emitters and Nozzles: Remove debris or mineral build-up from drip emitters and sprinkler nozzles (The Relining Company).
- Adjust Sprinkler Heads: Ensure sprinkler heads are properly aligned to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways (Plants Creative).
- Check Water Pressure: Monitor the system's water pressure to avoid damage and ensure consistent watering (Oklahoma State University Extension).
- Seasonal Adjustments: Adjust watering schedules seasonally to match plant needs (Calsense).
- Winterize the System: In colder climates, shut down and drain the system before winter to prevent freezing and damage (Plants Creative).
Recommended Drought-Tolerant Plants
Choosing the right plants can significantly reduce your water consumption. Here are some excellent drought-tolerant options:
- Agapanthus: Easy to grow and drought-tolerant once established (Hoselink).
- Lavender: Fragrant and drought-tolerant, ideal for sunny spots (Hoselink).
- Succulents and Cacti: Hardy and require little water, perfect for dry climates (Green Oasis Lawn and Reticulation).
- Cordyline: Gives year-round lush foliage and color when positioned in a shady spot (Hoselink).
- Dymondia margaretae: Low-growing groundcover, ideal for replacing lawns (Grounded Landscaping).
- Aloe spp.: Hardy, beautiful species that can be used as shrubs or as structural plants (Grounded Landscaping).
- Tulbaghia violacea: Has a long-flowering period, and when mass planted creates a stunning display with its pinkish-mauve flowers (Grounded Landscaping).
Conclusion
Smart irrigation systems offer a powerful way to conserve water, save money, and maintain healthy landscapes. By understanding the different types of systems, implementing them correctly, and practicing water-wise gardening techniques, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact and enjoy a thriving garden. The next steps involve assessing your current irrigation setup, researching smart irrigation options, and consulting with professionals to design and install a system tailored to your specific needs.
References
- California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC). (2019). "Smart Irrigation Controllers: A Guide to Implementation and Water Savings."
- Dandy, G. C., et al. (2018). "The Role of Smart Irrigation in Water Conservation." Agricultural Water Management.
- EPA (2016). United States Environmental Protection Agency.
- Fine Gardening
- HydroPoint
- Oklahoma State University Extension
- Plants Creative (2021, September 17).
- The Landmark Group
- Calsense (2024, July 25)
- Department of Energy and Water Supply
- Earth's Ally
- The Relining Company (2025, February 3)
- Nutrien Water
- Living Water Smart
- Green Oasis Lawn and Reticulation (2023, March 15)
- Hoselink
- Grounded Landscaping
- Waller et al. (2020)
- Nutrien Water
- Fine Gardening
- HydroPoint
- Oklahoma State University Extension
- Plants Creative (2021, September 17).
- The Landmark Group
- Calsense (2024, July 25)
- Department of Energy and Water Supply
- Earth's Ally
- The Relining Company (2025, February 3)
- Nutrien Water
- Living Water Smart
- Green Oasis Lawn and Reticulation (2023, March 15)
- Hoselink
- Grounded Landscaping
- EPA (2016). United States Environmental Protection Agency.