Irrigation Automation system is a new innovative technique used in the agricultural field to dispense the water effectively and efficiently to the plants with no or just a minimum of manual intervention besides the surveillance. Irrigation system automation is multifaceted, dealing with conveying water from the source to water application on individual fields. This chapter discusses automation in drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, precision farming, and micro-irrigation systems. The main idea behind irrigation systems is to assist in the growth of crops and plants by maintaining the minimum amount of water required, suppressing weed growth in grain fields, preventing soil consolidation and high yield.
Types of Irrigation Automation
Drip Irrigation
In drip irrigation automation, water is directly supplied to the root zones of the plants by using emitters, drippers on or below the surface of the soil. Through this system, the plants get the proper amount of water, and this system also eliminates the evaporation of water. The soil moisture is highly maintained at an optimum level. Drip irrigation is the most efficient and easily installed for a large variety to small variety of crops.
Sprinkler Irrigation
The sprinkler irrigation automation system is a very suitable method for irrigation on uneven lands and shallow soils. In this method, water is sprayed into the air and allowed to fall on the ground surface, resembling rainfall. The spray is developed by the flow of water under pressure through small orifices or nozzles. The dry crops, vegetables, flowering crops, orchards, plantation crops like tea, coffee are all suitable and can be irrigated through sprinklers.
Precision Farming
Precision Farming information and technology-based farm management system identifies, analyses, and manages variability in fields by conducting crop production practices at the right place and time and in the right way, for optimum profitability, sustainability, and protection of the land resource. It helps to increase productivity, prevents soil degradation, and efficient use of water resources. Precision farming changing the socio-economic status of farmers.
Advantages
Saves Time - The automated irrigation system helps to supply water to plants as per your schedule.
Conserve Water - All irrigation system helps to conserve water and eliminates evaporation.
Reduce costs - Not only it helps in saving water but also the energy efficiency and saves your electricity bill.
Keeps soil Healthy- It restores moisture and humidity of the soil. An irrigation system will keep these nutrients in the soil so that your plants can thrive.