Types of VRI solutions sector VRI


This basic solution is a series of “pie slices” programmed into the controller to automatically make speed adjustments to apply more (or less) water in that sector of the field.


Benefits & challenges of VRI


Growers constantly seek alternatives to enhance the way they apply water. Their goal is to get more out of the water applied through pivots or laterals. Utilizing controllers with sector VRI or precision VRI is a great step toward advanced irrigation management that achieves benefits such as


• increased yields by matching water application requirements based on different crops, varying terrain and soil types in the same field.


• reduced fertilizer input costs by minimizing runoff and nutrient leaching.


• reduced water used by minimizing overirrigating certain parts of the field.


• reduced wheel track maintenance. precision VRI


Adding additional control valves onto individual sprinklers over the entire length of the pivot or lateral equipment provides site-specific application of water, including shutting off selected sprinklers in areas where water and chemicals are restricted or undesired.


Graphics credit: Lindsay Corporation


• The continually changing weather, crop stages and as-applied irrigation throughout a field creates a dynamic continuum that is too complex and time-consuming to properly manage.


Most ag controllers sold over the last decade can easily be retrofitted to achieve VRI for little cost and, in some cases, may not even need additional hardware in the field.


16 Irrigation TODAY | July 2018


A connected VRI controller = faster & smarter irrigation management


Achieving full optimization of irrigation management requires that the controller is connected to a smart cloud-based decision support solution that provides irrigation scheduling. Most ag controllers sold over the last decade can easily be retrofitted to achieve VRI for little cost and, in some cases, may not even need additional hardware in the field.


The basic concept is simple, modernizing existing irrigation systems can be achieved by connecting them to the internet and an irrigation scheduling solution to ensure a complete sector VRI


Human and environmental demands for water resources have increased significantly. Growers are faced with needing to get additional value out of the water they use to irrigate. As powerful as digital controllers using VRI technologies have become, inherent challenges and limitations keep growers from gaining the full benefits. Stand-alone controllers limit optimization of water application due to the following challenges:


• Growers need to be fairly tech-savvy to be proficient programming sector or precision VRI irrigation plans and feel confident in their decisions.


• Controllers on their own don’t have the inputs necessary to help the grower decide when to irrigate, where to irrigate and how much to apply throughout the field.


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