IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT WITH TECHNOLOGY Irrigation pros give us an update on systems tech and what's coming in 2024 BY HEATHER MACHOVINA W ell-designed irrigation systems can help increase efficiencies in greenhouses and nurseries with labor savings and optimizing water delivery for plant growth. Automation provides a systematic and reliable way of delivering water while pairing irrigation with the right controller, enhancing labor savings. Irrigation systems allow growers precise control over the amount of water each plant receives. This precision helps to optimize water usage, prevents water waste and ensures plants get optimal hydration for healthy growth. Members of Griffin's irrigation team and I were able to discuss how irrigation is evolving with technology and what growers should be on the lookout for. What new technology is coming for irrigation systems? Modern systems use sensors and automation to customize watering schedules based on factors like soil moisture levels in the root zone or humidity inside the greenhouse. " There are many controllers entering the horticulture market in 2024 with 14 MARCH 2024 GPNMAG.COM features or sensors that were not available before, like the IAS controller that uses cell signal instead of ethernet or Wi-Fi. This allows growers The IASXR3000II controller uses cellular service instead of ethernet or Wi-Fi. Photos courtesy of Griffin. to communicate with valves in the back field with fewer initial install expenses, " said Mandi Maloney, special projects manager for irrigation at Griffin.http://www.GPNMAG.COM