Managing landscapes through dry periods Smart solutions for irrigation market

Fears are growing that we will witness another drought this year after England saw its driest February in 30 years. The National Drought Group, which advises government on policy, are suggesting another hosepipe ban may need to be put in place, saying, “members are planning for the worst case scenario of another hot, dry summer and are managing water resources to reduce the risk of drought measures being required.’

According to reports, 63 per cent of rivers were below their normal levels for February and some reservoirs were considerably lower than anticipated. As landscape professionals and end users alike, we have to identify that water is not a limitless resource and should make every attempt to reduce our consumption as an individual and an organisation. We have to learn to adapt and water more efficiently to keep our planted environments bright, healthy and lush, we have to water more efficiently.

Irrigation manufacturers are stepping up to the challenge of climate change and are releasing new innovative products to help designers, installers and users achieve this possibility of efficient watering. From intelligent sprinkler nozzle design to non-blockage, sub-surface driplines and from cloud accessible controls to improvements in moisture sensing and interaction, the world of landscape irrigation has leapt forward.

When irrigation is essential, we should be clear on our efficient best practice with these considerations:

Water source – The majority of UK irrigation systems are supplied from mains water or ground water (boreholes, lakes etc) but does the project have any other untapped sources? Rainwater from roofs or hard surfaces can be used if filtered and treated correctly but ‘it never rains when you need it!’ so consideration needs to be paid to correct sizing of any collection vessel or tank for rainwater.

Control – The less manual watering the better, efficient watering is better achieved by automatic control. The majority of modern irrigation controllers have the ability to monitor water flow and detect leaks, interact with sensors and permit remote access by Wi-Fi, 4G or LAN so they can be checked and managed remotely.

Moisture sensors – Technology in sensing the level of moisture within the soil has much improved. Sensors will interact directly with the irrigation controller, adjusting cycle time to achieve the optimum water applications – only replacing the moisture lost through evapotranspiration and plant use, instead of blanket watering.

Spray and drip Irrigation – Spray irrigation technology has moved forward leaps and bounds with highly efficient nozzles from a range of manufacturers but ultimately the most efficient way to water any plant is directly to the roots. Sub-surface dripline (where appropriate) now represents the most efficient method of applying water but has its drawbacks. As a contractor it is susceptible to damage at installation stage and also post completion when the client or landscaper needs to dig. For landscapers and groundscare teams keeping outdoor spaces in full bloom against the tide of a constantly changing climate is challenging at the best of times. So now, more than ever, it’s time to learn to adapt to the changes and equip ourselves with the latest tools and study the technologies that will assist in our cause to keep landscapes maintained for all to enjoy.

Consistent irrigation on slopes

The Rain Bird XFS-CV Dripline irrigation system features a heavy-duty 0.3 bar check valve. This practical and water saving feature makes it suitable for installation in landscapes with slopes as either a sub-surface or onsurface solution.

The check valve, with its silicon pressure regulating diaphragm, features in every emitter and keeps the Dripline charged with water in elevation changes of up to three metres, therefore working in installations where other drip irrigation technology won’t. By keeping water in the XFS-CV Dripline at all times, it is conserved within the system and there is no need to refill every time a new watering cycle takes place. With the check valve, puddling and the risk of oversaturated soil at the lowest point in the irrigation zone are also prevented.

The pressure compensating emitter design ensures a consistent water flow over the complete lateral length of the installation, resulting in high irrigation uniformity within 1.38 – 4.14 bar operating range.

XFS-CV Dripline features Rain Bird's patented Copper Shield Technology that protects the emitter from root intrusion with a pure copper chip at each emitter. The emitter also resists clogging by grit thanks to its wide flow path and self-flushing action. The dual layer is a key feature of Dripline tubing, providing high UV, chemicals and algae resistance.

XFS-CV Dripline is very flexible tubing, accommodating tighter turns and making it easier to design a layout that matches the specific irrigation needs of sloped and flat landscapes. Versions are available with a full range of industry standard emitter flow rates, emitter spacings and coil lengths to provide further design flexibility. XF Dripline barbed insert fittings and other 17mm barbed insert fittings can be used.

Indoor irrigation controller

RC2 Indoor has been added to Rain Bird's powerful touch screen RC2 Smart Irrigation Controller range. For installation indoors, and not requiring outdoor weather or IP (Ingress Protection) features, it is a highly competitively priced controller for homeowners and landscape contractors.

Rain Bird's LNK2 WiFi fully encrypted wireless communication module is built-in to give RC2 Indoor fast and stable online connectivity. It is fully accessible and programmable from compatible iOS or Android devices equipped with Rain Bird's App. Set up is simple thanks to Quick Pair technology that connects the controller to the phone or tablet, making RC2 the fastest and most efficiently programmed controller available.

As an indoor controller without the complexities of outdoor installation, RC2 Indoor is accessible to end users in the residential or light commercial sectors who can install the controller themselves. It is available in 4,6 and 8 station capacities, each with three independent programs and four start times per program. The App gives users a fast and simple irrigation programming experience and for contractors full instant control of multiple sites, zones and schedules. Commonly used irrigation schedule templates can be used as well as customised programs.

Data from local weather sources can be obtained over the internet, enabling adjustment of daily run times so that a landscape receives only the water it needs, resulting in possible water savings of up to 50%. Other advanced features include cycle and soak and seasonal adjustments by program to increase or reduce watering according to time of year.

The RC2 Indoor interface provides simple commands and the convenience of being able to implement automatic or manual watering right at the controller without a local WiFi or mobile network. In the event of power failure, the RC2 Indoor memorises and permanently saves the current programming.