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What are Irrigation Sensors and How Do They Work in Smart Irrigation Systems?

Winery with drip irrigation system

In New Zealand, a land where the climate can be very unpredictable, it is important to manage our most scarce resource, water. How we irrigate New Zealand, our arable land, our businesses, and our homes are important.  Irrigation systems have come a long way from simple dams, channels, and pumps. Irrigation systems today include a range of cutting-edge irrigation sensors that give the system a level of awareness about the environment it is irrigating.

When building and designing a new irrigation system or upgrading an existing one, you should be considering what irrigation sensors you need to include. Most irrigation suppliers in New Zealand will be able to provide you with a range of different irrigation sensors for your smart irrigation system.

Smart irrigation systems are a system that includes a range of sensors designed to give feedback and information about the irrigated area. The smart irrigation system uses this information to adjust the amount of water it delivers and when it delivers it. System sensors range in type and purpose. They include rain sensors, soil moisture sensors, weather sensors, flow sensors, and others.

Agricultural uses for Irrigation Sensors

Irrigation has long been used in agriculture to maximise the productive output of the land. It is important to apply the right amount of water at the right times during a crop growing cycle as it results in a higher yield.

Implementing a Smart Irrigation System with sensors for your farm is best done by reaching out to irrigation experts and trusted suppliers. High-quality sensors purchased from a New Zealand irrigation supplier will ensure your system keeps operating as expected for longer.

By monitoring rainfall over your crops, rain sensors protect from overwatering by decreasing the amount of irrigated water supplied during periods of rainfall. Irrigation suppliers will be able to work with you to determine how to adjust your irrigation levels for different amounts of rainfall.

Weather Sensors further enhance your agricultural irrigation system and reduce water wastage.  Weather sensors capture information from the environment including the temperature and adjust the water output accordingly. When it is too hot or cold the irrigation is stopped to prevent evaporation or freezing.

Commercial uses for Irrigation Sensors

Irrigation is used in commercial businesses such as golf courses, sporting complexes and turf growers. Smart irrigation systems with irrigation sensors are perfect for commercial businesses.

Soil moisture sensors allow for the remote monitoring of the moisture levels in the irrigated soil allowing for responsive irrigation when it drys out or has been dry for a certain period. Soil moisture sensors can also prevent overwatering if it has been raining recently. Irrigation system suppliers in New Zealand like Think Water can provide expert advice and quality sensors to start irrigating more efficiently at your commercial business.

Irrigation Sensors at Home

Irrigation around the home is just as much about time-saving as water-saving. With our busy lifestyles and often unpredictable weather keeping your lawns and gardens irrigated in New Zealand can be challenging.

Traditionally, residential irrigation has relied heavily on timers to manage the watering. The result is that the sprinklers are on while it’s raining, wasting water. It is time to update. Adding a smart irrigation system with irrigation sensors makes sense at home.

The range of irrigation sensors available makes them the perfect inclusion in any agricultural,  commercial, or residential smart irrigation system.

So, whether you are irrigating a crop to feed thousands or just maintaining a lawn that is the envy of your street, Think Water is a leading irrigation supply retailer that has all the irrigation sensors and parts you need. Find your local store here, or read more about smart sprinkler controllers here.