December 2023 - 67

IRRIGATION & WATER MANAGEMENT
Consider automatic
irrigation control systems
Technology curbs water waste, decreases labor and input costs
BY YOUNSUK DONG, LYNDON KELLEY, NAWAB ALI
M
any growers are interested in using an automatic
irrigation controller to manage their irrigation
system due to their potential benefits. Being
able to turn an irrigation system on and off remotely
or automatically can reduce farm labor and operation
costs - and more importantly - save time.
Having someone drive to the field to operate an
irrigation system may increase your input costs,
including fuel, labor and mileage on your truck. In
addition, automatic irrigation controllers can help with
water conservation. An automatic irrigation controlling
system can turn the system off when it rains and turn it
back on if the rain was not adequate. This allows growers
to maximize the use of rain and use water responsibly.
The actual controlling mechanism of automatic
irrigation systems consists of timers for turning on and
off the system and feedback from soil moisture sensors,
weather sensors and plant sensors.
When you use an automatic irrigation system, it is
important to verify that the system is operating. This can
be done by adding a water flow meter, water pressure
sensors and/or in-field soil moisture sensors. This
provides confidence in using the technology and ensures
your crops do not experience under water stress.
Controlling irrigation systems remotely requires a
reliable signal communication method. Many options are
available: hard wires, cellular, Wi-Fi, LoRa (long range),
radio signal, etc. Deciding on the communication method
depends on your field locations. Trees could be an issue
when you create a localized network system using LoRa,
Wi-Fi, and radio signals. It is worth noting that if you are
using a cellular modem, you may need to upgrade it over
time as the old network types retire.
When choosing an automatic irrigation controlling
system, you should consider field size, number of irrigation
zones, number of controllers needed, signal communication
methods, sensors (water pressure, water flow meter and
in-field soil moisture sensors) and capital and operation
costs. The cost of automatic irrigation systems may vary
depending on the size of fields, irrigation zone design,
and signal communication methods. Operation costs
include the annual communication system subscription
plan, maintenance on valves and sensors, and repairs.
The long-term advantages of the automatic irrigation
controller system often justify its cost.
Components of an automatic irrigation system. Growers
who consider automating their irrigation system must
consider initial costs for parts and installation of the
system, along with updates and maintenance costs.
Benefits include reduced water use and lower costs
for labor, water and other resources. Photo courtesy of
Younsuk Dong.
The MSU Irrigation Lab tested an automated irrigation
system in a tomato field in Hart, Michigan, and showed
an improvement in irrigation water use efficiency by 40%
in comparison with the traditional irrigation method.
In addition to water savings, energy was also saved by
reducing the pump operation time. This reduced energy
use will result in decreased greenhouse gas emissions.
The automatic irrigation controlling system offers
great potential for farmers for reducing labor and
operation costs, saving time, and increasing water and
energy use efficiency.
Younsuk Dong is an irrigation specialist in the Michigan
State University (MSU) Department of Biosystems
and Agricultural Engineering (BAE). Nawab Ali is a
postdoctoral research associate in the Department of
BAE with a focus on estimating agricultural return flow
and groundwater recharge. Lyndon Kelley is a 35-year
veteran of MSU Extension, currently working toward
goals of expanded irrigation opportunities, and better
irrigation design and management, while protecting
the environment.
VEGETABLEGROWERSNEWS.COM | 67
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December 2023

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