Project background
Over- and under-watering are two of the most common causes of crop loss. The client wanted precise, zone-level irrigation control that responded to real substrate conditions rather than fixed timers.
Challenge
Achieving accurate small-volume deliveries through long line runs, detecting leaks or blockages quickly, and handling the range of substrates — rockwool, coco, soilless mixes — each with different moisture behavior.
Approach & solution
We deployed flow-metered solenoid manifolds at each zone, combined with substrate moisture sensors for feedback. The controller calculates delivered volume per event and flags deviations as leaks or blockages. Irrigation schedules adapt to time-of-day, light integral, and substrate dryback.
Results & benefits
The system reduced water consumption substantially while improving crop uniformity. Leak detection caught several incidents early that would have otherwise caused flooding or crop damage.
