Knowledge of available water, system design and installation best practices avoid problems. Think beyond a rain switch.

First; Smart Controllers. The ability to connect needs to features and benefits is critical. ET based vs Soil sensor based systems. Wi-Fi communication vs cellular. Have you ever wanted to make changes to your clock without physically going to it? Consider adding a weather station so you know the readings are specific to that site.

 The Hardware in the ground can be out of sight out of mind.  I’ve unearthed some strange circumstances. Be a company which follows best practices and execute them. Have you ever had property damage due to a cracked main line? How would feel if you could have controlled that leak before damage occurred.  A master valve flow sensor combo wired to the controller is a powerful solution.  Pressure regulating heads with check valves and multi stream nozzles demonstrate smart hardware. Head to head coverage and matched precipitation rates effects distribution uniformity and is over looked.

 The base this triangle is soil condition. It is important to know as poor conditions adversely affect uptake and available water. Take a soil sample.  There has been great success with carbon based soil enhancement products to improve overall health and adjust PH. You could introduce IPIA’s internally porous soil amendments like DE (Diatomaceous Earth).  These fossilized plankton which when applied at 10% by soil volume can reduce irrigation by 30% by increasing PAW (Plant available water)

I conclude by saying we have more to do controlling water than just a rain switch and time on the clock. Please design and plant according to Hydro Zones.  I also like to repeat advice from the UF Extension. “Right plant right place”. Contact your water purveyor for possible rebate or incentive programs. Purchase EPA WaterSense labeled technology with report functions, off-site management, and auto adjustment and become IA certified.

contact