Introduction: In the realm of modern #agriculture, #technology has unveiled a plethora of opportunities to enhance efficiency, conserve resources, and amplify yields. However, not all trends hailed as revolutionary pan out as effectively as advertised. Today, we delve into one such trend - the widespread adoption of pressure monitoring systems in irrigation setups. While many irrigation monitoring and control manufacturers and suppliers promise improved distribution uniformity, efficiency, and irrigation event validation through pressure monitoring, we're here to expose the shortcomings of this approach. Furthermore, we will illuminate how Agricultural Technology Services offers a more dependable solution using Talgil's Sapir2 and Dream2 irrigation and fertilizers management systems.
The Pressure Monitoring Promise: For numerous growers, pressure monitoring across every irrigation zone or even lateral seemed like the ultimate solution to ensuring consistent water distribution and application. Suppliers marketed pressure sensors as tools that would safeguard Distribution Uniformity (DU) or Application Uniformity and validate irrigation events. The premise was that these sensors could identify pressure deviations and facilitate swift adjustments to pressure reducing valves or pumps, thwarting uneven irrigation and confirming irrigation events. However, experience has revealed that these assurances are misleading, primarily benefiting suppliers instead of growers.
The Pitfalls of Pressure Monitoring:
Pressure Reducing Valves Aren't Infallible: While pressure reducing valves aim to maintain downstream pressure regardless of upstream fluctuations, this means that even if emission devices in a monitored irrigation set are clogged or damaged, the pressure might still appear correct, masking the absence of water or fertilizers being delivered to plants.
Validation Gap for Water Application: Pressure monitoring might detect an irrigation event, but it doesn't ascertain whether the correct water amount was applied. Growers only recognize this when plants are stressed, rendering monitoring ineffective for timely intervention.
Challenges with Leaks: If leaks manifest within the system, the pressure reducing valve might compensate by permitting higher flow. This could lead to flooding in specific field areas, causing root damage, mud puddles, escalated labor costs, and equipment impairment.
Costly Investment: Outfitting irrigation systems with numerous pressure sensors can be financially burdensome, regardless of whether it's sourced from capital expenditure (CAPEX) or operational expenditure (OPEX) budgets. This substantial investment might not yield commensurate benefits.
Maintenance and Calibration Hassles: The necessity for specialized labor to maintain and calibrate these sensors can erode labor efficiency and elevate overall labor costs, offsetting any potential gains from monitoring. The excessive data points from an overabundance of sensors can also distort the true picture, leading to information overload.
Agricultural Technology Services' Effective Solution: Much like healthcare relies on a comprehensive assessment of vital signs to gauge a patient's condition, we advocate for a similar methodology in irrigation. This involves considering an array of factors beyond pressure, including flow rates, pumps, filters and valves, and fertilizer performance and statuses.
Utilizing #Talgil's Sapir2 and Dream2 irrigation and fertilizers management systems, offered by Agricultural Technology Services, offers a comprehensive approach to optimizing irrigation efficiency and effectiveness. These solutions have been refined since 1987.
Multi-Element Validation: The #Sapir2 and #Dream2 systems transcend mere pressure monitoring. They validate irrigation events based on diverse factors such as flow, pressure, pump status, valve conditions, filters, and fertilizers. This multi-faceted approach ensures a more precise assessment of system performance.
Holistic Approach: These systems encompass the entire farm ecosystem, considering everything from plant to water source. Hydraulic, mechanical, physical, and chemical aspects are accounted for, enabling growers to maintain the intricate equilibrium between plant, soil, water, and fertilizers. The Sapir2 and Dream2 controllers seamlessly integrate with Decision Support Systems (DSS) and monitoring companies, receiving data directly or via connected sensors.
Real-Time Monitoring and Control: The Sapir2 and Dream2 systems are unique in offering real-time monitoring and control capabilities, empowering growers to make timely interventions and adjustments based on accurate, comprehensive data, or confirming irrigation schedules on their DSS platform.
Automated Reporting: These systems generate automatic reports, reducing the need for manual data collection and analysis. This streamlines decision-making and offers actionable insights.
System Audits and Integration: Agricultural Technology Services conducts system audits and seamless integrations with existing elements and Decision Support Systems (#DSS), ensuring technology alignment with specific farm requirements and goals.
Conclusion: While pressure monitoring might have appeared to be a promising solution for optimizing irrigation systems, reality has exposed its limitations and shortcomings. To truly attain efficiency, uniformity, yield improvement, and ESG goals in agriculture, a holistic and data-driven approach is imperative. Talgil's #Sapir2 and #Dream2 irrigation and fertilizers management systems, offered by Agricultural Technology Services, stand out as solutions that deliver on promises without exaggeration. It's time for growers to embrace solutions grounded in decades of experience and proven methodologies, securing a prosperous and sustainable future for their farms.
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