Validation of Landscape Irrigation Reduction with Soil Moisture Sensor Irrigation Controllers
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 138, Issue 2
Abstract
The objective of this project was to determine if automatic residential irrigation systems with soil moisture sensor irrigation controllers could reduce irrigation water application while maintaining acceptable turfgrass quality as successfully in homes as in plot studies. Research was conducted on-site at cooperating homes () in southwest Florida. Experimental treatments were (1) automatic timer with integration of bypass soil moisture sensor control system, (2) automatic timer with rain sensor and educational materials, (3) automatic timer with rain sensor, and (4) automatic timer only (typical for the region). Irrigation application, frequency, quarterly turf quality ratings, and weather data were collected over 26 months. Homes with soil moisture sensor irrigation controllers bypassed unneeded events during both rainy and dry periods, averaging 2 irrigation events per month; all other treatments averaged 4.5–6 events per month. Reduction in number of irrigation events by soil moisture sensor control systems resulted in significant savings, with 65% cumulative reduction compared to homes with typical timer irrigation control. Observed on-site savings were comparable to previous plot research, indicating that plot savings could be scaled up so long as soil moisture control systems are installed and set properly.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank the following funding agencies for making this work possible: Pinellas-Anclote Basin Board of the Southwest Water Management District (SWFWMD), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), and the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA). The authors would also like to extend their gratitude to Robert Peacock, Sean Hannigan, Diane Weaver, and Sheryl Powers from the Pinellas County Utilities Conservation Department, and from the University of Florida, F. Wayne Williams, Bernard Cardenas-Lailhacar, Mary Shedd McCready, Stacia Davis, Daniel Rutland, Eban Bean, and Kristen Femminella for their assistance on this project.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 138 • Issue 2 • February 2012
Pages: 135 - 144
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 10, 2010
Accepted: Jun 21, 2011
Published online: Jun 23, 2011
Published in print: Feb 1, 2012
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