Development of an Efficient Irrigation and Leaching Control System

Abstract

Abstract. The LSU Irrigation and Leaching Control System was designed to reduce irrigation consumption and nutrient leaching during containerized plant production. Recent work has 1) integrated wireless tipping bucket sensors into the system, and 2) tested the system at an ornamental nursery production facility to document reduced irrigation and leaching volumes. Microirrigation, combined with cyclic application, can increase water application efficiency compared to timed irrigation, but continue to lack ease-of-use or precision. Other methods to determine volume and frequency of irrigation include evapotranspiration modeling, monitoring container capacity, and monitoring substrate moisture using sensors. However, lack of reliable models and high costs make these methods impractical for commercial application and therefore have limited adoption by the industry. Therefore, the automated, sensor-driven irrigation system was designed by the LSU AgCenter and shows significant reductions in water consumption and leaching with potential for considerable labor savings as well. The basic technology used indicator plants and eliminated the need to measure environmental factors needed for complicated evapotranspiration models. Versions developed can reduce water usage and have potential to implement deficit irrigation and highly controlled, repeatable leaching events. This control system has been effectively incorporated in both microirrigation and overhead irrigation systems. Recent studies show reduction in water use of 59% compared to the existing commercial irrigation management practices. Ongoing commercialization work focuses on increasing the system’s user friendliness, safety, and manufacturability. Overall, these systems can contribute to the multibillion dollar horticulture industry by saving water, energy, and reducing leaching of nutrients.