How To Invest (Smartly) In A Smart Irrigation System

Thanks to remote irrigation management, the smart irrigation controller does all the work – instantaneous control and oversight for the landscape manager from anywhere, when required.

So, you’ve decided this time- and money-saving marvel is for you. The next step is sourcing the right smart water solution.

Here are the top five things you should look for:

1. Is It Super-Simple To Use?

No-one says their software isn’t easy to use but if you want an ultra-user-friendly program, just be sure that both the system and your provider offer the following:

• An easy-to-use, well-designed interface (don’t be afraid to ask for a demo of the software).
• Remote monitoring and management so you or your maintenance team can keep an eye on things from any location.
• Reporting so you can use the data to make informed and timely decisions.
• Ongoing support with friendly, knowledgeable people on hand to help you (and if bilingual options are important to you, ask about this too).

2. Spot The Difference - Which Controller Is Right For You?

There are two types of smart irrigation controllers so it’s important to select the one that best suits your needs.

Weather-based controllers – also known as evapotranspiration (ET) controllers – use local weather data (from a weather station or remote weather service monitor) combined with variables on location (soil type and sprinkler application rate, for example) to adjust watering schedules.

Within this group, there are three controller types:

• On-site weather management controllers do as you may expect – create a customized program based on data from the location itself.
• If an on-site station isn’t for you, try a signal-based controller, which uses wirelessly-available and highly accurate local meteorological data.
• Alternatively, historic ET controllers are pre-programmed but adjusted for temperature and solar radiation. Their data comes from water use in different regions.

Soil moisture sensor-based controllers are pre-programmed and buried on site. They share data about their surroundings with the controller, which customizes the existing watering schedule.

Again, there are sub-types:

• Suspended cycle irrigation systems are traditional irrigation methods with a difference – they stop watering when there’s enough moisture in the soil. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work vice versa to request water when it’s too dry
• For an efficient, programming-free method, water on demand irrigation keeps moisture between maximum and minimum levels by requesting watering as needed.

3. Credibility

You’ll want something that’s certified, recommended by your peers and – if possible – boasts positive research results.

4. Does It Make The Most Of Every Dollar You've Invested?

Have you heard of the saying “buy cheap, buy twice”? This is absolutely true here. Less expensive systems are likely to need more eventual investment so take the long view and make a smart initial investment.

5. Will It Adapt With Advances In Smart Irrigation?

This is just the tip of the iceberg in the relationship between the Internet of Things and landscape management. Ideas and solutions will rapidly develop. The best targeted watering solutions will leave themselves open to this, allowing new products and service upgrades to be easy and economical.

Remember, investing in smart irrigation systems not only saves money, but also increases efficiency and saves water. It also produces a healthy landscape (and increased curb appeal!) resulting in happy residents or clients. It’s the smart thing to do.