Irrigation Management Software That’s Purpose Built for Growers

An irrigation management system for agriculture is a combination of tools, technologies, and strategies designed to monitor, control, and optimize the use of water for crops. The system ensures that water is applied efficiently, conserving resources while maximizing crop productivity and quality.

Components of an Irrigation Management System:

1. Sensors and Monitoring Devices

• Soil Moisture Sensors: Measure the water content in the soil to determine irrigation needs.
• Weather Sensors: Monitor temperature, humidity, wind, and rainfall to adjust irrigation schedules.
• Flow Meters: Track water usage and detect inefficiencies or leaks.
• Plant Health Sensors: Assess crop water stress to fine-tune irrigation.

2. Control Systems

• Centralized or remote systems that automate the operation of valves, pumps, and sprinklers.
• Programmable controllers or smart hubs for scheduling and real-time adjustments.

3. Irrigation Methods

• Drip Irrigation: Delivers water directly to plant roots for high precision.
• Sprinkler Systems: Suitable for uniform water distribution over large areas.
• Subsurface Irrigation: Reduces evaporation by delivering water underground.

4. Data Analytics and Decision-Making Tools

• Software platforms analyze data from sensors and provide recommendations on irrigation timing and amounts.
• Use machine learning and artificial intelligence for predictive irrigation models.

5. Communication Technology

• Systems use Wi-Fi, IoT (Internet of Things), or cellular networks to enable remote monitoring and control.
• Mobile apps and dashboards allow farmers to access and manage systems from anywhere.

6. Integration with Other Systems

• Combines with weather forecasting tools to adjust for rainfall or drought.

Features of an Irrigation Management System:

• Automated Scheduling: Activates irrigation based on pre-set times or real-time data inputs.
• Zone Control: Customizes irrigation for specific field areas with varying water needs.
• Alerts and Notifications: Sends updates about system performance, water usage, or maintenance needs.
• Scalability: Adaptable to small farms or large-scale agricultural operations.
• Energy Efficiency: Optimizes pump usage to reduce power consumption.

Traditional irrigation management systems are typically controlled using a central controller or base station, which receives data from sensors and adjusts irrigation schedules and amounts accordingly, however, these are very expensive and difficult to install and maintain. Lumo takes a different approach by building a controller into every smart irrigation valve which makes it incredibly affordable and easy to deploy.

With Lumo, growers can control irrigation remotely using a smartphone or computer and Lumo’s irrigation management software.

When selecting an irrigation management system or irrigation management software, growers should consider factors such as the size and type of their operation, the crops being grown, and the climate and soil conditions in their area. They should also consider the cost of the system and the level of technical expertise required to operate it.

Some of the most common sensors used in irrigation management systems include soil moisture sensors, weather sensors, and flow meters. Soil moisture sensors measure the amount of moisture in the soil, while weather sensors measure temperature, humidity, and other weather variables. Flow meters measure the amount of water flowing through irrigation lines.