Rainfall in Oklahoma is variable across the state and fluctuates by year. During dry periods, irrigation may be needed to preserve landscape quality. Over- or under-irrigating a landscape can possibly increase disease incidence, waste water and decrease overall landscape condition. Irrigation system efficiency is dependent upon several factors including design, installation and specific site conditions. Water applied to a landscape can account for a significant portion of a property’s water use. In Oklahoma, outdoor water use accounts for approximately 30 percent to 50 percent of household water use. A substantial amount of water is lost to evaporation, wind and runoff as a consequence of improper watering methods. Reducing or eliminating this loss decreases utility bills and creates a more water efficient, healthy landscape.
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Outdoor water savings can be achieved using smart irrigation technologies. Smart irrigation controllers and sensors have been developed to reduce outdoor water use by irrigating based on plant water need compared to traditional automatic system timers, which irrigate on a user-determined fixed schedule. This technology exists as a complete controller or as a sensor that can be added to an existing irrigation timer to create a smart controller. Smart irrigation technology uses weather data or soil moisture data to determine the irrigation need of the landscape. Smart irrigation technology includes:
These products maximize irrigation efficiency by reducing water waste, while maintaining plant health and quality. Incorporating smart irrigation technology in the landscape can potentially reduce outdoor water consumption. This technology is appropriate for small, residential landscapes as well as large, managed landscapes. The following sections describe how each product functions and the advantages and disadvantages of each product. Irrigation managers and homeowners should be aware that smart irrigation technology will need to be periodically adjusted and maintained for maximum water savings.
There is a broad spectrum of smart irrigation technology that consumers can benefit from utilizing. Choosing the correct technology for the situation is essential to achieve potential water savings. Watering restrictions exist in some areas of Oklahoma, so the irrigation timer may be adjusted for allowed watering days. Irrigation controllers can be separated into two main categories: Climate based controllers and soil moisture based controllers.
Climate-based controllers also referred to as evapotranspiration (ET) controllers use local weather data to adjust irrigation schedules (Figure 1). Evapotranspiration is the combination of evaporation from the soil surface and transpiration by plant materials. These climate-based controllers gather local weather information and make irrigation run-time adjustments so the landscape only receives the appropriate amount of water.
There are three basic types of ET controllers:
Evapotranspiration controllers have been shown to reduce outdoor water use. In Las Vegas, Nev., homes with ET based controllers saw an average of 20 percent irrigation reduction compared to homes with homeowner-scheduled irrigation (Devitt et al., ). Additionally, a study conducted on St. Augustine turfgrass showed an average irrigation savings of 43 percent in the summer compared to homeowner-scheduled irrigation, with no reduction in turfgrass quality (Davis et al., ). The accuracy of ET controllers depends on the equation parameters. Most ET controllers cost between $250 and $900. Professional grade ET controllers range between $900 and $2,500.
Figure 1. Evapotranspiration based controller. Photo courtesy of Rainbird.
The second type of smart irrigation controllers includes soil moisture sensor controllers (Figure 2). Instead of using weather data, soil moisture sensor controllers utilize a soil moisture sensor placed belowground in the root zone of lawns to determine water need. The soil moisture sensor estimates the soil volumetric water content. Volumetric water content represents the portion of the total volume of soil occupied by water. The controllers can be adjusted to open the valves and start irrigation once the volumetric water content reaches a user-defined threshold. The appropriate threshold value depends on soil and vegetation type and usually ranges from about 10 percent to 40 percent. Soil moisture sensors must be installed in a representative area of the turf; far enough from sprinkler heads, tree roots, sidewalks and walls (Figure 3).
Similar to ET controllers, soil moisture controllers have been shown to reduce irrigation, while maintaining turfgrass quality. Compared to homeowner irrigation schedules, soil moisture controllers had an average 72 percent irrigation savings and a 34 percent water savings during drought conditions (Cardenas-Laihacer et al., ; Cardenas-Laihacer et al., ). In some cases, studies have shown smart controllers will increase water use at sites that typically use less than the theoretical irrigation requirement (Mayer and Deoreo, ). Typically, soil moisture sensor controllers range from $280 to $1,800. Difference in pricing depends on product manufacturer and end user, either residential or commercial customers.
Figure 2. Example of a soil moisture controller.
Figure 3. Ideal locations for soil moisture sensor placement.
In many cases, a scheduling irrigation controller is already in use on a property and upgrading to a smart controller is impractical. To increase efficiency of automatic irrigation systems a soil moisture, rain, wind or freeze sensor can be added to upgrade the existing system. Some manufacturers produce devices capable of measuring multiple environmental elements using one apparatus. Many sensors are compatible with existing systems, easy to install and produce similar results to smart irrigation controllers. The add-on sensors are generally more affordable than smart irrigation controllers, assuming a compatible irrigation timer is already installed on site.
Soil moisture sensors can be connected to an existing irrigation system controller. The sensor measures the soil moisture content in the root zone before a scheduled irrigation event and bypasses the cycle if the soil moisture is above a specific threshold. Different types of soil moisture sensors are available and the consumer should ensure system compatibility before purchasing a sensor. Some soil moisture sensors include a soil freeze sensor that will interrupt the irrigation cycle if temperatures fall below 32 F. Soil moisture sensors are available as wired or wireless systems. Typical cost for a soil moisture sensor can range from $99 to $165.
Although these sensors are not considered smart technology, rain and freeze sensors interrupt the irrigation cycle during a rain or freeze event when irrigation is unnecessary. Watering during the rain wastes water, money and causes unnecessary runoff. Three different types of rain sensors are available and each function is based on separate concepts.
Potential water savings depends on the amount of rainfall in any given year. During years with average to above average rainfall, water savings are more significant than during dry years. Rain sensors have shown payback periods of less than a year, but should be monitored for optimum performance (Cardenas-Laihacar and Dukes, ).
As an example, if a homeowner’s irrigation system waters a ¼-acre yard and applies 1 inch of water each irrigation cycle, then each cycle applies 6,789 gallons of water. If water costs $5.00 per 1,000 gallons, the monetary savings will be $33.95 each time the irrigation cycle is interrupted during a rainfall event. Considering each rainfall event, the homeowner could expect substantial water and money savings. Most wireless rain sensors are more expensive and range from $120 to $200, while wired rain sensors cost approximately $30 to $50.
Freeze sensors interrupt an irrigation cycle when air temperatures fall below 32 F. Eliminating irrigation during freezing temperatures can potentially extend irrigation system life and prevent sidewalks and streets from icing over, causing dangerous situations. Many rain sensors include a freeze sensor and homeowners should account for sensor capability when considering price.
Figure 4. Rain sensor with a small basin to collect rainfall.
Figure 5. Rain sensor attached to a gutter (top) and the inside of an expanding disc rain sensor (bottom). Photos courtesy of Hunter Industries.
Oklahoma has an average wind speed of 16 miles per hour (mph) with wind gusts from 20 mph to 30 mph. Watering during windy conditions reduces irrigation distribution uniformity across the landscape and decreases the amount of water infiltrating into the soil profile (Figure 6). Wind sensors interrupt the irrigation cycle if wind speed exceeds a specific threshold (Figure 7).
Smart irrigation technology may help reduce water waste, while also providing a healthy, attractive landscape. Irrigation system owners should provide regular maintenance and ensure the irrigation system is only watering the landscape when needed. Many wind sensors are around $80 to $100 dollars or are packaged with other sensors.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created performance criteria for irrigation technology manufacturers under the WaterSense program. For more information go to: www.epa.gov/watersense/. Often, it depends on consumer preference when deciding which irrigation controller or add-on sensor is appropriate for the end user. Many local irrigation distributors have smart irrigation technology available for customers.
Figure 6. Irrigating during windy conditions wastes water and reduces system efficiency.
Figure 7. Example wind sensor for use in the landscape. Photo courtesy of Hunter Industries.
Cardenas-Lailhacar, B., M. D. Dukes, and G. L. Miller. . Sensor-based automation of irrigation on bermudagrass, during wet weather conditions. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. 134(2): 120-128.
Cardenas-Lailhacar, B. and M. D. Dukes. . Expanding disk rain sensor performance and potential savings. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. 134(1):67-73.
Cardenas-Lailhacar, B., M. D. Dukes, and G. L. Miller. . Sensor-based automation of irrigation on bermudagrass, during dry weather conditions. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. 136(3): 184-193.
Davis, S. L., M. D. Dukes, and G. L. Miller. . Landscape irrigation by evapotranspiration-based controllers under dry conditions in southwest Florida. Agriculture Water Mgmt. 96(12): -.
Devitt, D. A., K. Carstensen, and R. L. Morris. . Residential water savings associated with satellite-based ET irrigation controllers. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. 134(1): 74-82.
Mayer, P.W. and Deoreo, W.B. . Improving urban irrigation efficiency by using weather-based “smart” controllers. American Water Works Association. 102(2):86.
Malarie Gotcher
Extension Associate
Saleh Taghvaeian
Irrigation Extension Specialist
The company is the world’s best Smart Irrigation System equipment supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Justin Quetone Moss
Turfgrass Research and Extension
A smart sprinkler is an automated irrigation system that optimizes water usage and improves lawn health. Controlled via a smartphone app, it can adjust watering schedules based on weather and soil moisture data, reducing waste and promoting sustainable landscaping.
These smart irrigation systems combine essential lawn irrigation with state-of-the-art controllers to improve water-use efficiency and exponentially lower watering costs.
Today’s homes are filled with innovative technology, from handheld smartphones that put the world (and a myriad of capabilities) at people’s fingertips to smart TVs and thermostats.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and advance, smart technology is finding its way into more and more systems and unexpected places.
Now, it’s leapt out of homes and migrated into backyards, bringing homeowners the marvel of smart sprinkler systems.
Irrigation technology didn’t develop these intricate watering systems in one fell swoop. There have been three major historical advancements in the world of smart irrigation.
As with tech advancements in other areas, it’s made gradual steps, from smart hose timers to smart irrigation controllers and now fully-customizable, high-tech watering systems.
Each step, though, has made watering more intuitive and efficient.
The first breakthrough in technology automated hose watering by attaching smart timers to the home’s hose bib. These timers improved time-consuming, tedious hand-watering by providing the ability to set and run irrigation schedules directly from a smartphone.
For some homeowners, this smart system still meets all their needs. For some, the envelope could be pushed further.
So technology changed direction and introduced smart irrigation controllers to improve automated sprinkler systems.
Smart irrigation controllers move the functionality of a sprinkler system from the control panel interface into a smartphone app.
Instead of inputting a preset watering schedule and letting sprinklers run like clockwork day in and day out, smart controllers put access to the system into the homeowner's hands.
These controllers let users turn sprinklers on and off no matter where they are and can even go one step further and help determine how long to water.
The smart technology uses local weather data or real-time sensors to adjust watering duration and amounts based on rainfall, temperature, humidity, or soil moisture.
The newest advancements in intelligent sprinkler systems—like Irrigreen technology—take watering efficiency steps further. Our revolutionary system digitally maps out a lawn and then “prints” an irrigation plan to water precisely where needed.
No more overlap of sprinkler heads and overspray into gardens or flowers, further reducing water consumption.
Today’s smart irrigation controllers rely on two sensor types. They use a weather-based sensor or an on-site soil moisture sensor.
The data gathered by the sensor helps the system determine whether to water or not and how much water to disperse.
The more common of the two methods is weather-based controllers, which are also referred to as evapotranspiration (ET) controllers.
ET controllers gather local weather data and make run-time irrigation adjustments so the landscape receives the right amount of water at the appropriate time.
They aim to minimize evapotranspiration, the amount of water evaporation at the soil surface coupled with water moving from the soil into plants and then out into the atmosphere, where it evaporates. Hence the name ET controllers.
Minimizing evapotranspiration means the most water possible reaches the grass (or plants) and is available for use. As little water as possible is lost to the environment.
ET controllers utilize ambient temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, and relative humidity to make predictions and adjustments.
Within weather-based controllers, there are three primary forms available.
Smart irrigation controllers with soil moisture sensors use well-established farming irrigation technologies to measure soil moisture content.
The sensors are buried in the root zone of the soil and take real-time measurements of the moisture level. These measurements are transmitted to the controller, where the system waters according to the readings.
Two different soil moisture sensor-based systems are available:
Also known as the advantages of a smart sprinkler system or why homeowners love smart sprinkler systems.
The truth is that water is essential to keeping a lawn green and healthy regardless of its size. The same goes for trees, ornamental plants, and a garden—there’s no way to get around needing to water plants.
As water resources dwindle in some areas and prices increase in others, there is a drive and desire to use water carefully, minimizing evaporation loss and over-consumption. Here is where smart sprinkler systems step in and step up.
Even though watering is inevitable and essential, smart sprinklers help ensure water is consistently delivered while helping conserve water by only watering when necessary and applying the needed amount, nothing more.
Whether watching a household budget or trying to conserve precious water resources, smart sprinkler systems are a fantastic, sustainable solution for water-use efficiency.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of drip irrigation tape. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.