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Drip Irrigation for Frost Prevention

Protecting Crops from Cold Snaps
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The Role of Irrigation in Frost Protection

One of the most proven ways to defend crops is irrigation-based frost protection, where water’s natural properties are used to stabilize temperatures around sensitive plant tissue. As water freezes, it releases heat—keeping the plant surface at just around 0°C (32°F). This simple physics principle is the foundation for overhead sprinkler frost protection used in orchards and vineyards worldwide.

However, timing and consistency are everything: if sprinklers turn on too late, protection is lost. If they run too long, water is wasted and systems can ice over. That’s where Lumo’s precision irrigation control comes in.

up to
90
%
less time spent irrigating
up to
30
%
reduction in pumping costs
up to
20
%
increase in crop quality

How Lumo Helps You React Faster

Lumo’s automation platform allows you to plan ahead or react instantly to enable frost prevention. 

By connecting Lumo smart valves to your frost sprinkler or irrigation zones, you can:

  • Schedule overnight irrigations when you anticipate colder temperatures.

  • Remotely start or stop irrigation from your phone—no midnight trips to the ranch.

  • Coordinate multiple zones so the whole system activates simultaneously when needed.

With automation, your irrigation becomes proactive—not reactive—protecting your crop even when you’re off-site or asleep.

Frost on wine grape vines

The Lumo 
Smart Valve

With a built-in flow meter and onboard computer for visibility and control. 
Download the spec sheet

Built-in Flow Meter

Track flow rates remotely and in real time. Reconcile applied volumes to plan at a block level. 

Onboard computer

Allows for 24/7 remote control and removes the need for an expensive irrigation controller.   

Wireless

Solar power and cloud connection streamline installation by removing the need to trench in wires.

Rugged Design

Made with fiber reinforced polymer and a modular design to make maintenance simple. 
Exploded view of the Lumo One Smart Irrigation Valve

Backed by a dedicated support team

You don’t just get another vendor. You get a dedicated irrigation partner.
Our highly responsive support team proactively monitors every irrigation and notifies you the moment an issue arises.

Protect your crops against frost and unlock more control with LUmo

Easily Report on Water Use
Irrigate at Night to Prevent Evaporative Loss
Detect Leaks Automatically
Pump at Off-Peak Energy Hours
Irrigate Based on Precise Volumes
Data-Driven Preventative Maintenance
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Not another irrigation controller

Because everything is built-in, Lumo is an all-in-one solution that’s super simple to install and never going to leave you in the dark.
“There’s a night and day difference from the other irrigation automation systems we’re working with. It’s everything everyone else says they can do but Lumo actually does it.”
Tyler Klick
Redwood Empire Vineyard Mgmt
read case studies

DIG DEEPER

How does irrigation help prevent frost damage?

As water freezes, it releases heat that keeps plant tissue at 0°C. Overhead sprinklers continuously form ice, maintaining this temperature and preventing deeper freeze damage. Drip irrigation doesn’t coat plants, but it can warm the soil and add humidity. Lumo automation ensures irrigation runs at the optimal time for maximum benefit.

Can Lumo automatically start my frost sprinklers at night?

Yes. If your frost protection sprinklers are connected to Lumo valves, you can schedule them to start automatically during the night when you expect temperatures to drop below freezing. 

Is a drip system alone enough for frost protection?

Not typically. Drip irrigation mainly helps by warming the soil and reducing heat loss, offering limited protection. For significant frost threats, overhead sprinklers or wind machines are recommended.

I’m worried about pipes freezing—can Lumo help with that?

Yes. Lumo’s scheduling makes it easy to ensure water keeps moving through the system during frost events, reducing the chance of freeze-ups. 

From the Grower’s Mouth

Hannah Lindner Wente Vineyards
“With the Lumo valves, we have this micro control that we didn't have in the past. We know that what we are scheduling is getting executed, we know the timing is right, and we have confidence we’ll get the quality that we want from the vineyard.”
Gustavo Aviña Pine Ridge Vineyards
“I chose Lumo because the installation and the valve operation are very easy. We’re now able to do more precise irrigations, giving water to the vines when they need it, and only what they need. After we started automating irrigation, we produced the best fruit I’ve ever seen.”
Ryan Decker Clos du Val
“The product is plug and play without any wires to run or radios to set up. A flow meter is incorporated into each valve that is capable of delivering irrigation sets by a volume, instead of a duration. I’ll be able to log all irrigations, by volume, for any water use reporting requirements that either exist now or will in the future. I think that more than any other company I've worked with, Lumo has listened to what we've had to say in the industry.”
Tyler Klick Redwood Empire Vineyard Management
“The software platform is extremely easy to use and functions very well. When we have had issues, Lumo’s been out there before we even got there. The valves have been reliable and have really helped us fine tune our operation as it pertains to irrigation. Lumo is the first automated irrigation solution that I have confidence I can go to my clients and say, ‘If you want automation, this is something we can use.’”

Get Started Today

With Lumo, your irrigation becomes easier, more efficient, and more precise. Join the 100+ growers already using Lumo to optimize water management.
Talk to an Expert Now
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