A Comparison of Smart Irrigation Controllers in the Urban Landscape
Location
Logan Golf & Country Club, Logan, UT
Start Date
3-26-2019 5:00 PM
End Date
3-26-2019 7:00 PM
Description
Residential and commercial landscapes are routinely overwatered to ensure plants remain vibrant and visually pleasing. However, over irrigation can lead to plant disease, nutrient leaching, and depletion of water supply. In recent years, irrigation technology has improved significantly with the advent of smart homes and irrigation controllers. These controllers aim to optimize water use and reduce the amount of water lost below the root zone and through surface runoff. The objective of this study was to compare water use and overall plant health between four different irrigation controllers. The study utilized the normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) and other measurements including soil moisture content, percent green cover, and canopy temperature. In addition, total water use was compared to the reference evapotranspiration (ET) and actual ET loss measured using an on-site lysimeter. Using recommendations from the Center for Water Efficient Landscaping (CWEL), the standard controller was scheduled and compared to three different smart controllers. Though the standard controller schedule was altered each month, each smart controller was allowed to make its own smart schedule. The schedule was created based on responses to a series of questions provided by each controller. After one year, results show a user may need to intervene even after responding to initial questions to maximize water savings.
A Comparison of Smart Irrigation Controllers in the Urban Landscape
Logan Golf & Country Club, Logan, UT
Residential and commercial landscapes are routinely overwatered to ensure plants remain vibrant and visually pleasing. However, over irrigation can lead to plant disease, nutrient leaching, and depletion of water supply. In recent years, irrigation technology has improved significantly with the advent of smart homes and irrigation controllers. These controllers aim to optimize water use and reduce the amount of water lost below the root zone and through surface runoff. The objective of this study was to compare water use and overall plant health between four different irrigation controllers. The study utilized the normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) and other measurements including soil moisture content, percent green cover, and canopy temperature. In addition, total water use was compared to the reference evapotranspiration (ET) and actual ET loss measured using an on-site lysimeter. Using recommendations from the Center for Water Efficient Landscaping (CWEL), the standard controller was scheduled and compared to three different smart controllers. Though the standard controller schedule was altered each month, each smart controller was allowed to make its own smart schedule. The schedule was created based on responses to a series of questions provided by each controller. After one year, results show a user may need to intervene even after responding to initial questions to maximize water savings.