Reducing Labor with Automated Irrigation Systems
Reducing Labor with Automated Irrigation Systems
Implementing an automated irrigation system can significantly reduce the labor-intensive tasks associated with managing growing conditions across container crops throughout the growing season. Traditionally, growers have had to manually adjust irrigation timers as conditions change, which can be time-consuming and inefficient. Hibernia Nursery estimated $35,000 - 40,000 in labor savings by utilizing an automated, weather-based system (Million and Yeager 2019).
The Initial Investment
Investing in automated irrigation infrastructure entails installing pipes from the main pump to each greenhouse or grow zone, configuring controllers linked to valves (either individual controllers per valve or centralized controllers), and integrating these components to regulate water flow across one or multiple greenhouses or grow zones. While this initial setup requires capital and planning, the long-term benefits far outweigh the upfront costs.
Streamlined Operations
Once installed, automated systems streamline irrigation management. These systems can integrate with smart systems like Canopy to adjust the timing and volume of water delivery using real-time weather data and grower inputs. This capability reduces the need for frequent manual adjustments and eliminates the laborious task of checking and adjusting irrigation systems on-site as regularly. Additionally, the installed infrastructure supports optimizing valve operations by taking into account pressure considerations, thereby ensuring efficient water distribution across different zones. This approach helps mitigate challenges related to managing the number of valves open simultaneously, reducing the necessity to “charge” the system before irrigation cycles commence.
Remote Management and Labor Efficiency
Automated irrigation systems allow for remote management from the office or mobile devices. Growers can monitor and adjust irrigation schedules, derive insights, and make data-driven decisions without needing to physically inspect each irrigation zone as regularly. This not only improves operational efficiency, but also allows workers to focus on activities that directly impact plant health and productivity.
Enhanced Precision and Control
These infrastructure investments in combination with smart irrigation systems allow for the delivery of precise amounts of water tailored to the specific needs of different crops and growing conditions. The precision helps optimize water usage, reduce runoff, and ensure plants receive the right amount of water at the right time, enhancing overall crop health and quality.
Bottom Line Impacts
Implementing an automated irrigation system offers tangible benefits beyond labor savings. It improves crop health and quality, reduces water waste, lowers operational costs over time, and supports sustainable farming practices. Growers can gradually implement automation in stages, starting with critical areas, and expand as needed, to reduce the financial impact up front.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is an initial investment and adjustment period, automated irrigation systems offer significant advantages in labor efficiency and operational control. They empower growers to manage irrigation more effectively, optimize resource use, and enhance overall productivity. For more insights on how automated systems can integrate with leaching fraction tests to further improve irrigation practices, refer to our related article on Understanding Leaching Fractions.
Special Thanks
Thanks to the contributors to this post including Tom Yeager and Jeff Million.
Sources:
Million and Yeager 2019. Nursery Management, Lose the Leachate: An automated weather-based irrigation system helps Florida’s Hibernia Nursery save water and labor. https://www.nurserymag.com/article/automatic-irrigation-system-containers-hibernia-nursery/
