SMART IRRIGATION the future Embrace Use these four tips to get the most out of
adding smart irrigation technology to your farm. By Richard Restuccia
A
s the calendar flips to July, the irrigation industry celebrates Smart Irrigation Month, a time dedicated to promoting efficient water use through innovative technology.
This month serves as a reminder for growers to evaluate and adopt irrigation technologies that can conserve water and improve overall farm management. With so many advanced irrigation solutions available today, deciding which technology suits your farm can be daunting.
The rise of smart irrigation technology Smart irrigation technology is changing the way water is managed on farms. These systems use sensors, weather data and automated controls to optimize water usage, ensuring that crops receive the right amount of water at the right time. Growing concerns over water scarcity due to climate change, population growth and increased agricultural demands have heightened the need for efficient water use. Smart irrigation technology helps conserve water by optimizing irrigation schedules based on real-time data.
Water scarcity is one of many reasons for the growth in smart irrigation technology. Cost savings are significant for labor and pumping costs. Growers are seeing increased crop yields and reductions in runoff and soil erosion.
20 Irrigation TODAY | Summer 2024
Selecting the appropriate irrigation technology involves considering several factors specific to your farm. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you make an informed decision.
1 Start with pain points Some of the pain points growers are
experiencing with water and irrigation include water costs, labor intensity, inefficient water use, soil variability, regulatory compliance, data management and energy costs. There is no shortage of challenges growers face. Addressing these obstacles through technology can lead to more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable farming practices, ultimately improving crop yields and grower profitability.
For example, automation alleviates some of the labor-intensive aspects of irrigation by utilizing advanced technology. Automated systems with sensors, timers and control units can accurately measure soil moisture, weather conditions and crop water needs in real time. This eliminates manual monitoring and adjustments, allowing growers to focus on other critical aspects of farm management. Automated irrigation systems can be programmed to deliver the precise amount of water at the optimal time, reducing the need
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