Keeping your lawn healthy while conserving water has never been easier thanks to the best smart irrigation systems. These innovative systems use sensors, weather data, and automation to water only when your lawn needs it. Such systems customize watering schedules to a landscape or yard and start your sprinkler system automatically.
According to the EPA, nearly half of the nine billion gallons of water sprayed on lawns daily in the U.S. is wasted through overwatering and evaporation. Smart irrigation technology helps eliminate that waste by making every drop count.
Smart Controllers for Irrigation Systems
Traditional vs Smart Irrigation Controllers
Traditional watering system controllers operate using timers according to a preprogrammed schedule. The biggest benefit of the traditional models is simply the convenience of sprinkler automation. However, smart controllers do so much more.
Smart controllers for irrigation systems can automatically adjust the irrigation schedule in line with weather changes, plant water use, and evaporation. In addition, they also monitor soil conditions. A smart controller caters the irrigation to the environment, wet or dry, cold or hot, by configuring sprinkler type and rates, and soil types. There are a variety of smart irrigation controllers available.
Weather-based smart controllers
Known also as evapotranspiration (ET) controllers, weather-based controllers fine-tune the smart schedule by making use of local weather data. Evapotranspiration is a combination of plant material transpiration and soil surface evaporation. By using local weather information, the irrigation system controller works to alter the irrigation run-time to deliver the appropriate amount of water. There are three basic types of weather-based controllers:
Signal-based Controllers
Signal-based controllers use publicly available meteorological data to calculate a grass surface ET value. A wireless connection sends the ET data to the controller for more precise watering.
Historic Controllers
Using historic water usage in a region, historic controllers use a pre-set water use curve, to control irrigation. The system then adjusts to the curve, in accordance with solar radiation factors and temperatures.
On-site Weather Measurement Controllers
This type of irrigation system smart controller calculates continuous evapotranspiration and waters accordingly by making use of weather data gathered on-site.
Soil Moisture Sensor Systems Used With Smart Controllers
Soil moisture sensor-based smart irrigation controllers measure the moisture content of soil by making use of established technology. These sensors are located in the root zone of shrubs, trees, or turf. After determining the soil’s moisture level they send readings to the controller. There are two types of soil moisture sensor-based systems used with a smart controller:
Suspended Cycle Irrigation Systems
These are set in the same way as traditional timer controllers, with a watering schedule, start time, and duration. The system will halt the next scheduled watering when there is sufficient moisture content in the soil.
Water On Demand Irrigation
These systems need no irrigation duration programming. However, they do need to know which days to water on and what time to start. Water on demand irrigation controllers can be set to an upper and lower threshold which will initiate watering when the moisture in the soil falls between the two levels.
Additional Information: WaterSense Labeled Controllers – United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Why Upgrade to a Smart Irrigation System?
Switching to a smart irrigation setup offers major advantages for both homeowners and businesses.
Key benefits include:
- Up to 50% water savings annually
- Automated weather-based adjustments
- Remote control via smartphone apps
- Compatibility with smart home systems
- EPA WaterSense certification for efficient performance
- Healthier, greener lawns with less maintenance
By investing in the best smart irrigation system, you gain a sustainable solution that keeps your landscape looking its best year-round.
Professional Smart Irrigation Installation in Omaha
The performance of any irrigation system depends on proper installation and configuration. At Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers, we install and program smart irrigation controllers designed to fit your landscape’s unique needs. Serving Omaha and surrounding areas, our experts can retrofit existing sprinkler systems or design complete smart irrigation solutions for new installations.
Whether you want to upgrade to a Wi-Fi-enabled controller, integrate soil sensors, or automate watering based on weather patterns, we’ll help you get the most out of your system.
Schedule Your Smart Irrigation Consultation with Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers
Take the next step toward a more efficient, eco-friendly lawn care solution. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate for the smart irrigation system installations in Omaha and nearby communities. Call 402-934-7900 to schedule your service.
At Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers, Your Healthy Lawn is Our Passion.
