Automated irrigation system

S. Viharnaa BSc (Agriculture)Eastern University

Automatic irrigation is a form of irrigation system that is operated by a computerized controller. Automatic irrigation is convenient and highly practicable for large farming areas. This type of system is ideal for those who travel frequently and cannot attend to their lawns on a regular basis. An automatic irrigation system is capable of discharging more precise amounts of water to an area and making it an economical choice as well. Automatic soil-water sensor-based irrigation seeks to maintain a desired soil water range in the root zone that is optimal for plant growth. This system is mainly divided into two types such as sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation system. The brain of the automatic irrigation system is called the timer. It's completely weather proof.

Automated water timer (Brain)

An automatic water timer system will be attached to the outside tap. It is easily programmed and can have additional features such as the rain detector attached. It's having a rain detection system will also ensure that water timer will not go off if it has detected rain, reducing any additional water use that is not required.

Operational function of automatic sprinkler irrigation

1. Controller tells valves to open/close, turning the sprinkler on/off.
2. When controller reaches a programmed start time, it sends a signal to one of the valves, telling it to open.
3. Each valve controls a group of sprinklers (zone).
4. When the valve receives the command from the controller, it opens flow of water.
5. When run time for each zone is done, controller tells the valve to close.
6. The valve closes, shutting off the flow of water to the sprinklers.
7. This process is repeated for each zone on the system.

Installation of irrigation system

Map out a landscape design plan

Choose type of automatic irrigation system to be installed

Steps (Automatic drip irrigation system) are given below:

1. Screw on a valve which is designed to keep the irrigation water outside from flowing.
2. Tightening the set screw on the valve will help prevent the valve from becoming loosened by vibration.
3. Convert the single faucet into four.
4. A pressure reducer will drop the pressure down. Simply screw a pressure reducer onto each faucet.
5. Divide the garden up into several areas, each one to be served by a different outlet. The fourth faucet should be reserved for the hose.
6. Screw on the automatic valves, which are designed to turn the water on or off for each area.
7. Each of the automatic valves plug into the bottom of the timer unit.
8. The timer can be programmed to tell each separate valve which day of the week to go on, what time of the day to go on, and how long to run.
9. After finishing installation process at the water source, need to set up the distribution system.

Advantages of automatic irrigation system

1. Save time
2. Save money
3. Save water
4. Improve growth
5. Weed reduction
6. Efficiency
7. Valve - An automatic irrigation system will protect that investment by assuring healthier, longer living plants. Installing a system is a convenience 'upgrade' that will measurably increase property's appraised value.

Disadvantage of automatic irrigation system

1. High initial cost.
2. When using automated irrigation system, if it fails while we are away from home; we can't control it, as the process is already started. Automatic irrigation systems don't have brains.
3. Automation requires specialist skills - unsuitable if such skills are not available.

With an automatic irrigation system there is no money/water wasted, for everything is timed, programmed. Designing this system with multiple zones allow watering according to plants' needs. In this system a consistent watering schedule results in healthier plants and greener more uniform lawns.