Irrigation of Residential Landscapes Using the Toro Intelli-Sense Controller in Southwest Florida
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 140, Issue 3
Abstract
The objective of the research reported in this paper was to determine the potential water-savings effectiveness of Toro Intelli-Sense evapotranspiration (ET)-based irrigation controllers in single-family homes. Of the 36 cooperators selected, 21 cooperators were outfitted with Toro Intelli-Sense TIS-612 (the ET group) and the remaining 15 were used as comparisons. The ET group reduced irrigation compared to the gross irrigation requirement by 23–41% and the 9-year historical average by 23–34%. Results varied based on the relationship between historical irrigation and the gross irrigation requirement, with water savings of 24%, no difference, and an increase of 54% when the historical value exceeded, approximated, and was less than the gross irrigation requirement, respectively. Turfgrass quality was maintained above an acceptable threshold for both treatments. In southwest Florida, a properly programmed Intelli-Sense controller is recommended when irrigation exceeds the gross irrigation requirement and at least 696 mm of irrigation is applied annually. Other smart-irrigation technologies would be more appropriate in locations for which the irrigation rate is less than the gross irrigation requirement.
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Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 140 • Issue 3 • March 2014
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 16, 2013
Accepted: Nov 18, 2013
Published online: Dec 17, 2013
Published in print: Mar 1, 2014
Discussion open until: May 17, 2014
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