What Sensors Are Used in Smart Irrigation Systems?

Water is an essential resource in home landscaping and farming. Traditional irrigation systems that run on fixed timers often apply more water than needed, leading to waste and higher utility costs. Smart irrigation systems solve this problem by using real-time sensor data to optimize water usage efficiently.

Smart irrigation systems enable computer-based controls to customize watering timetables and schedules in respect to weather circumstances, type of soil and the environment. These smart irrigation systems are also dynamic to rainfall, soil moisture, wind, and temperature variations contrary to the traditional system of irrigation which has a set timetable. This makes the plants healthier and greatly lessens the use of water.

Since the need for sustainable water management is increasing, smart irrigation technology must be applied to urban settings and farming. The University of Florida IFAS reports that smart irrigation saves up to 50% of water used by households.

Key Sensors in Smart Irrigation Systems

Smart irrigation systems are based on a set of sensors that inspect the environmental and soil conditions. The sensors perform a particular function and collaborate to deliver the most effective quantities of water to plants without waste.

1. Rain Sensors

Function: Rain detectors are used to measure rain and close the irrigation system temporarily to prevent the water from unnecessary watering.

How It Works: The rain sensors are placed on the roof top or in the garden. When they detect the occurrence of rain, they will send a signal to the irrigation controller to either turn off or fail to turn off watering until a time when the soil conditions will determine that they require water.

Benefits:

• During rain, and wastage, save more water.
• Less soil erosion and soil runoff.
• Saves the life of irrigation equipment through unwarranted usage.

Data Insight: According to University of Florida IFAS, 3 out of 10 waters that are utilized in residential landscapes watering can be saved through use of rain sensors, particularly, in the areas where the rain falls heavily.

2. Soil Moisture Sensors

Function: Soil moisture sensors quantify the amount of volumetric water in soil. It instructs the irrigation system to water the soil where it is needed.

Types of Soil Moisture Sensors:

• TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry): The water content was determined by measuring the earth stock. TDR sensors are highly accurate even where the soils may have varying textures.
• FDR (Frequency Domain Reflectometry): Measure soil moisture using a capacitance probe. FDR sensors are quicker in measurements and cheaper. However, it is less accurate in dissimilar soils.

Benefits:

• Avoids being overwatered and underwatered.
• Ensures an ideal level of soil moisture to ensure the well-being and growth of plants.
• Water saves 20-50 %, according to a study by the Oklahoma State Extension.

Practical Tip: In large fields or gardens, various soil moisture sensors might be required to consider the differences in the type and slopes of the soil.  

3. Wind Sensors

Function: The wind sensors measure wind speed and direction to avoid irrigation in high winds, which may lead to water overrun and evaporation.

Benefits:

• Distribution of water to target sites.
• Limits the wastage of water through evaporation.
• Stops the tendency of the wind to water the delicate plants unequally.

Use Case: Wind sensors are especially applicable in open countryside, such as on a golf course or in farms, where irrigation sprinklers are deployed.

4. Flow Sensors

Function: Flow sensors are used to measure the rate of water in the irrigation system. They detect such mistakes as water leakage, burst water pipes, or inefficient use of water.

Benefits:

• Offers real-time notifications on faults in the system.
• Guarantees an equal system of water supply.
• Supports preventive maintenance to eliminate expensive maintenance.

Data Insight: The flow sensors are used to ensure efficiency in big irrigation networks since they identify leakages that would, in turn, cause loss in thousands of liters of water per day.

5. Freeze Sensors

Function: Freeze sensors monitor temperature conditions and prevent irrigation in the event of freezing. Water applied to frozen soil or plants can cause damage and ice formation.

Benefits:

• Shields the vegetation in the winter.
• Eliminates wasted water that is incapable of penetrating frozen soil.
• Stops soil compaction because of ice.

Application: The cold climates which often have frosts or target crops which are very sensitive to cold conditions require the use of frozen sensors.

Comparison of Soil Moisture Sensor Technologies

Table Source: Adapted from Oklahoma State University Extension and University of Florida IFAS.

Smart Irrigation System Workflow

An efficient smart irrigation system is based upon a clear workflow, designed to optimize performance.

• Data Collection: To obtain real time data regarding soil moisture, rainfall, wind, and temperature, there are sensors that detect such data.
• Data Analysis: Sensor information is then processed through the irrigation controller/app to determine the irrigation requirements.
• Decision Making: The system will calculate the right watering programs of the soil type, type of plant and the weather forecasts.
• Water Delivery: Valves are used to supply the desired quantity of water to each area.
• Monitoring and Alerts: Flow sensors and diagnostic devices inform the users of leads, deviant water usage, or machine failures.

Water-Saving Benefits

The application of irrigation sensors in a smart irrigation system has proved to have an environmental and economic advantage.

• Residential Lawns: Smart systems may conserve 30-50% of the water by doing away with unnecessary irrigation cycles (University of Florida IFAS).
• Agricultural Fields: Accurate water drop application through soil moisture sensors saves 20-40% of water use without loss or decrease of crop productivity (Oklahoma State Extension).
• Cost Savings: Lower water and energy usage.

Smart systems also use less water and are less harmful to the environment by adapting irrigation based on the real needs of plants instead of time, resulting in the production of unhealthy and unproductive soil and crops.

FAQs

• How many soil moisture sensors do I need for my yard?

In most residential areas, 1-2 irrigation zone sensors are needed. Larger parcels or areas with heterogeneity in soil might be subject to more specific sensors.

• Can I add smart sensors to an existing irrigation timer?

Yes. Numerous sensors can be attached to a traditional irrigation system with the help of a smart controller. This would enable the existing timers to change the watering schedules depending on sensor information.

• What is the difference between TDR and FDR soil sensors?

TDR sensors have high accuracy and are suitable for variable soils. FDR has a higher speed, is cheaper, and can be used on general residential or commercial landscaping.

• How much water can sensors save?

Depending on the soil, weather and landscape design, the smart irrigation sprinkler system can consume 20-50% of water. Regions with unpredictable rain and winds contain more savings.

Conclusion

The use of water in the gardens, lawns and farms is radically changing with the use of supersystems of sprinklers. All these irrigation sensors together with rain, soil moisture, wind, flow and freeze sensors are used to give reliable water management.

The following factors should be taken into consideration when selecting sensors: soil type, landscape size, climate and irrigation goals. TDR and FDR soil sensors are both advantageous, but the environmental sensors, including rain and wind sensors, are enhancements to the system to attain total control.

Smart irrigation helps save money by reducing water waste and lowering utility bills, while supporting eco-friendly and sustainable landscaping practices. With automated and efficient watering solutions, homeowners and farmers can maintain healthy landscapes with ease. Visit Rika Sensors today and discover the power of the latest irrigation sensor technology.