5 Components To Help Streamline The Irrigation Process

Check out some of the latest irrigation components from industry suppliers. From options in drip tape to wireless control systems, you’ll be sure to find something to help you maintain uniform irrigation throughout the field.

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Nelson Twig field images for webWireless Control System

The Nelson TWIG wireless control system provides a method of automatically cycling through a series of irrigation control valves in a programmed sequence. While many wireless systems target overall farm automation, data collection, and data management, the TWIG system is specifically designed for automation of irrigation control valves.

There are three TWIGs available: TWIG-1 operates one solenoid, TWIG-2 operates two solenoids independently and TWIG-4 operates up to 4 solenoids independently.

The system consists of a TD200 Controller capable of controlling up to 100 TWIGs in a programmed sequence. The TWIGs are located in the field on solenoid-operated valves. The system operates like a conventional hard-wired automated irrigation system except the underground wires have been eliminated and replaced by two-way wireless radio signals between the TD200 and the TWIGs. The TD200 and the TWIGs that it controls are referred to as a “network.” The TWIG system operates in the 900 MHz range and does not require a license.

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For more information, go to NelsonIrrigation.com.

Aqua-Traxx FC for webAqua-Traxx FC (Flow Control Drip Tape)

The new patented Toro Aqua-Traxx FC drip tape from Toro is one of the latest advancements in the evolution of precision drip irrigation. It is said to be the only Flow Control Drip Tape available, providing growers more control and uniformity wherever they farm.

The innovative Flow Control design gives growers the flexibility to increase or decrease overall irrigation application rates, while maintaining uniform irrigation throughout the entire field – even in long runs or hilly terrain, where water pressure can vary throughout the run.

Additional benefits of Aqua-Traxx FC include:

  • Better irrigation and crop uniformity than standard drip tape
  • More flexibility to adjust the overall system flow rate than pressure-compensating drip tape
  • Longer runs allow growers to eliminate extra manifolds or middle rows
  • Enables growers to eliminate labor-intensive jumpers
  • Higher pressure-rating than standard drip tape
  • Available in popular and more-affordable 5/8 of an inch 6-mil and 7/8 of an inch 8-mil

For more information, go to Toro.com/En/Irrigation.

Hortau for webST Irrigation Management Systems

Hortau’s new generation of ST irrigation management systems allow growers to measure up to eight inputs in real time, as well as remote start irrigation via automation using its web-based software and mobile applications.

The patented irrigation management platform helps manage plant stress using soil tension, ensuring optimal crop growth while reducing water use by an average of 30%. The system also drastically reduces energy consumption and fertilizer leaching, ensuring moisture and essential nutrients remain in the root zone.

The platform uses proprietary sensors to measure soil tension at multiple depths, temperature (shielded and unshielded), relative humidity, weather data, as well as monitor water use via pressure switches and flow meter monitoring. The company’s software also allows growers to set up frost alerts, notifying users by phone in real time when critical weather factors are present in the field.

For more information go to Hortau.com.

Irromesh Node F Sensors for webIRROmesh Solar Powered Wireless Data Logging System

This system works in conjunction with Irrometer’s Watermark soil moisture sensors to automatically establish a mesh network of up to 20 soil moisture sensing locations. Each node sends data along multiple paths of nodes to the base node, allowing coverage over greater distances. Data can then be transmitted to your computer and/or the web depending on your choice of equipment.

A complete system includes a base, the desired number of nodes with their sensors and either a logger, cellular gateway with battery pack or PC link. The cellular gateway and PC link offer real-time web access.

IRROmesh is a solar powered (no batteries required), self-initializing (nodes power up with initial sun exposure and associate themselves with the base receiver), self-routing (nodes route communication for maximum efficiency), and self-healing (nodes will re-route for maximum efficiency) system that monitors soil moisture at the roots.

For more information, go to Irrometer.com.

Brass Hose Swivel webBrass Hose Swivel

The Brass Hose Swivel from Dramm is noted as a “live swivel,” which means it swivels while under pressure to allow hose-end accessories to turn independently of the hose.

Hose-end accessories can be moved in any direction without having to fight the hose, allowing you to water without the hose getting tangled.

For more information, go to Dramm.com.

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