What Is Precision Irrigation & How Does It Contribute To a Successful Greenhouse?

Types Of Precision Irrigation Systems & Accompanying Technologies For Greenhouse Farmers

Water management is an increasing concern in the agricultural world and a key concern of agricultural distributors. Water management can be complicated by floods, droughts, and any weather conditions in between. For continued farming success, it’s crucial that we continue to find the tools and methods that will enable us to better manage our water supply. Water management matters in both the United States and globally. 

An innovative solution that promotes more efficient water use and has the potential to conserve this valuable resource is precision irrigation. This method helps farmers and growers manage their other resources with increased efficiency – overall producing healthier crops, larger crop yields, and improvements in soil nutrition and disease management. Simply put, precision irrigation is a watering scheduling system that growers can utilize to improve plant root development and reduce the overall waste of water, nutrients, and chemicals. Precision irrigation maximizes the usage of input into agricultural space. The exact amount of water needed for the plant at its stage of development and in its current weather conditions are taken into consideration as water is delivered exactly where it needs to go, preventing runoff and excessive water usage.

While precision agricultural technologies have been put into use in many facets of farming, many technological advancements have made precision irrigation a very practical method for modern farmers. Greenhouse farming distributors offer a few basic types of precision irrigation systems and accompanying technologies.

Drip Irrigation

This exciting development in irrigation technology uses pumps and valves, which can be manually or automatically controlled, to bring water down to the individual plant level. Growers find dramatically increased irrigation efficiency and substantial savings on water usage when they utilize drip irrigation. Some of the benefits of this method include the ability to fertigate, or provide plant fertilizers and nutrients with the water. This brings the nutrients directly to the individual plant, where they can be used more effectively. Additionally, there is reduced risk of runoff and leaching as compared to methods where the entire field or greenhouse must be fertilized. This represents a significant cost savings on the high investments that growers make when they apply nutrition to their plants. 

Unfortunately, drip irrigation can be an expensive system to install and maintain. However, it can be especially valuable in the long term in places such as the western United States, where farmers pay for water by the acre foot. 

Variable Rate Irrigation

Farmers know that soil types, topography, nutrient availability, and crop growth can vary substantially within the same field. This can represent a significant challenge when it comes to precision agriculture and irrigation, as different areas of the same field can have very different irrigation needs. Variable rate irrigation (VRI) is the solution that growers need to address these variabilities so they can conserve resources and improve their crop yields.

Like other variable rate technology applications, a grower or greenhouse manager can develop a VRI prescription which will be implemented by the irrigation system. VRI can range from managing field zones to even managing individual plants, creating exciting possibilities for commodity crops, vineyards, and horticultural operations. One of the best features of VRI is that the control system can be integrated into most existing irrigation systems. Due to the complexity of these systems, growers will want to consult with their wholesale hydroponic supplier to develop a plan and determine what equipment will be needed. 

GPS Technology

As previously mentioned, understanding field conditions and the variability within plots of land is crucial for precision agriculture. In order to properly manage a crop field, an understanding of the variability of the topography, soil texture and quality, water retention, and more is needed. Global position systems (GPS) provide the ultimate way to access this information into a usable format. Geolocation, VRI, and zone management all rely upon GPS technology for success.

Monitoring & Automation

Clear objectives are a crucial part of precision irrigation. It’s a challenge to manage water on instinct alone, but the precision irrigation systems available through your agricultural supplies wholesaler enable growers to view real-time data on soil and weather conditions so they can make the best possible management decisions. Remote control of irrigation systems means they can be managed from anywhere so your job becomes easier. It’s likely that water management will become an increasingly important facet in agriculture, as the development of new technology will continue to provide better methods of delivery. 

Wholesale Agricultural Supply Company Based In Phoenix

Dutch Direct is ready to help you discover the innovative technology available for today’s commercial greenhouse and agricultural growers. Increase your crop output, manage your resources, and promote plant health with today’s modern growing technology. Contact Dutch Direct to schedule your consultation and learn more about our wholesale products.

18 North 57th Drive Ste #1

Phoenix Az 85043

United States

Phone: (480) 432-6410

Email: info@dutchdirect.us