Irrigation Automation Case Study
Problem: Inconsistent yields in some sections of tomato fields. The grower believes this yield issue is caused by low line pressures in certain sections of his subsurface drip irrigation causing inconsistent water distribution uniformity.
Location: Five Points, CA
Acres: 220
Crop: Tomatoes
Solution: Monitor end of line pressures in select sections using transducers and WiseConn hardware/software. Combined with DropControl, WiseConn’s irrigation management software, the system monitors water pressures and sends alarm notifications when pressure levels set by the grower drop below specific parameters. The goal is to ensure water distribution uniformity is maintained based on the design of the irrigation system and the needs of the tomatoes.
Expected Benefits: Improved yields with more consistent irrigation water distribution uniformity. Continual monitoring and alarms allow for immediate corrective action when low-pressure situations are identified by the system.
— Background Information —
WiseConn Hardware: WiseConn’s hardware can operate, monitor, and manage multiple agricultural processes in the field. Its main hardware components are the Nodes (RF-X1, M1, and C1). WiseConn’s patent-pending hydraulic logic and DropControl protocol make for a reliable on-site distributed control system for irrigation and fertigation. Every network has one Gateway Node that contains a modem, which uploads data from the field to the WOS and DropControl servers.
- Flexible and Adaptable – Each node can control up to 5 input or output ports with any combination of actuators or sensors.
- Monitoring and Control – Nodes record field information through sensors (moisture, pressure, flow, etc.) and can simultaneously operate actuators precisely (valves, pumps, etc.).
- Wireless Network – Nodes connect real-time through a mesh network with links up to 1.25 miles line of sight.
- Low Power Consumption – Each node includes a solar panel and batteries. Nodes consume little power and maintain 5 days of backup power.
WiseConn Software: DropControl software allows data collection, storage, and analysis in a user-friendly, cloud-based platform. WiseConn’s UI is designed to optimize your time and resources without complications. Access is possible from anywhere through a browser or smartphone.
To learn more about how Irrigation Monitoring and Controls might benefit your farming operation, contact Tom Weber at Cal-West Rain 559-846-5326 or your local Cal-West Rain salesperson in Kerman, Paso Robles or Hanford through our website at www.calwestrain.com
Download Irrigation Automation Brochure (PDF)
