SCADA based systems have the additional benefit of being able to start and stop irrigation pumps and motors. Some systems have the capacity to automatically alter the time a bay outlet is open, if the channel supply is inconsistent. Signals are sent from the computer to control modules in the paddock to open and close irrigation structures with linear actuators.īays are opened and closed on a time basis. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)Īutomation systems that use SCADA consist of a personal computer and software package to schedule and control irrigation via a radio link. It then sends a radio message to a receiver to let the landowner know water has reached the cut-off points down the bay. When it comes in contact with water, transmits radio signals to the timer devices at the outlets to open or close the structures. This system has an additional feature of the irrigator being able to place a moveable sensor down the bay. Like a portable timer, it uses an electronic device to activate the opening and closing of the irrigation structures. Timer or sensor hybridĪs the name suggests, this system is a hybrid of portable timer and sensor systems. Because of its portable nature, 4 or 5 units are usually purchased to move around the whole property. Portable timer systemĪ portable timer system is a temporary system which uses electronic clocks to activate the opening and closing of the irrigation structures. When water enters the sensor, it pressurises the air, which is piped to a mechanism that activates the opening and closing of irrigation structures. which system will best suit your property and irrigation layout.Ī pneumatic system is a permanent system activated by a bay sensor located at the cut-off point.In determining the best system for a property, you will need to consider: If you want a system where the components are fixed and can follow the same irrigation sequence each irrigation - a fixed system would be more appropriate. If a system that can be moved around the property, and perhaps used on other properties, is required then you need to consider systems that are portable. There is no system that will be the best system for all properties. Choosing the best automated irrigationĪll systems of automation have advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered when deciding which system will suit the irrigation layout for a particular property. This can be done with the knowledge that the structures will be suitable for use after the development work is carried out. Using the information from a whole farm plan- channel structures that will be used when the development works are carried out - can be purchased and used to automate these non-lasered areas. This can include automation of the channel structures to irrigate sections of the non-lasered areas. Automate those areas that are difficult to irrigate - areas of short steep bays that require the irrigator to be present more often or require frequent changes.Īutomation is not only suited to areas of the farm that have been laser-graded.Automate the areas chosen for irrigation at night time - so appropriate irrigation flow rates can be achieved.When it comes to installing the irrigation there are a number of ways of getting started. This might involve design of the channels for channel automation if possible - or it might be the use of bay outlets and other channel structures that will suit automation at a later stage. increased maintenance of channels and equipment to ensure it is working properly.īefore installing automatic irrigation Farm plans factoring in irrigationĭevelop a whole farm plan for your property.ĭuring the development of the farm plan, consider automatic irrigation in the planning process so you can incorporate some of the features required for automation from the start.reliability of irrigation system (due to human error when setting up).costs for purchasing, installing and maintaining the equipment.The disadvantages of automatic irrigation are: reduced costs for vehicles used to check irrigation.accurate cut-off of water compared to manual checking.timely irrigation - plants being watered when needed. The benefits of automatic irrigation are: These changes occur automatically without any direct manual effort, but you may need to spend time preparing the system at the start of the irrigation and maintaining the components so it works properly. to cut off the flow of water from one irrigation area - either a bay or a section of channel and directing the water to another area.to start and stop irrigation through supply channel outlets.Automatic irrigation is the use of a device to operate irrigation structures so the change of flow of water from bays can occur in the absence of the irrigator.Īutomation can be used in a number of ways:
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