UPGRADING SYSTEMS


manual labor, such as opening and closing valves and pumps, moving sprinklers, or checking soil moisture levels in the field. Smart irrigation systems, however, can automate all of these tasks, freeing up farmers to focus on other aspects of their operations.


In addition to these benefits, upgrading irrigation systems can also improve crop yields and quality. By ensuring that crops receive the right amount of water and nutrients, farmers can optimize their growth and development, leading to higher yields and better-quality produce. This is especially important in areas with limited water resources, where smart irrigation solutions can help farmers produce more food with less water.


Upgrading irigation systems can provide farmers with numerous benefits that can help them optimize their operations and increase their productivity.


Another key aspect of automation is the integration of filters that automatically initiate flushing cycles. Filters remove debris and prevent clogging, ensuring uninterrupted water flow and maintaining system performance. By automating this process, the irrigation system operates efficiently without manual intervention, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring consistent water supply to crops.


Furthermore, automation enables intelligent water management from water dams and other water sources, optimizing the utilization of deep wells. By analyzing factors such as water availability, crop needs and water quality, the system can make informed decisions on water allocation, ensuring the most efficient use of resources. This automation minimizes the reliance on deep wells and maximizes the utilization of alternative water sources, promoting sustainability and reducing strain on groundwater reserves.


Now that we’ve discussed why upgrading irrigation systems is a good decision let’s explore some of the best practices for implementing smart irrigation solutions. There are some basic best practices that farmers should follow.


→ Step 1: Conduct a site analysis


Conducting a site analysis is the first step in implementing smart irrigation practices. This involves assessing the soil type, topography


14 Irrigation TODAY | Summer 2023


and microclimate of the farm, as well as the crop types and water requirements. This information can then be used to determine the optimal irrigation system and scheduling for the specific site.


→ Step 2: Instal sensors


Once the site analysis is complete, the next step is to install sensors to monitor soil moisture levels, weather conditions and other key factors that affect crop growth and water usage. These sensors can be connected to a central system that uses data analytics to optimize irrigation scheduling and water usage.


→ Step 3: Implement automation


Automation is a critical component of smart irrigation solutions. By automating tasks such as turning on and off irrigation systems, adjusting water flow rates and monitoring soil moisture levels, farmers can save time and reduce water, fertilizer, energy and labor. This can be achieved through the use of smart systems that can monitor and control programming to adjust irrigation based on real-time data and weather forecasts.


→ Step 4: Utilize data analytics


Data analytics is the final step and another key component of smart irrigation solutions. Farmers can gain valuable insights into their operations and make more informed decisions regarding water usage, fertilizer injection, crop scheduling and other factors by collecting and analyzing data from sensors and other sources. This can lead to improved crop yields, reduced water waste and lower operating costs.


Overall, technological advancements have made irrigation systems more efficient and effective, simplifying the daily tasks of growers and farmers. This has made them a more attractive option, given their attractive return on investment and fast payback period. Additionally, they are becoming a necessary instrument for investors and farm managers to track resource use and make informed decisions in a scalable and simple manner.


Vicente Ossa is a marketing strategy manager for WiseConnUSA in Los Angeles.


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