Apps for Irrigation Control
Scientists at Landcare Research are developing apps for smart phones and tablets that monitor soil moisture status for irrigation scheduling, and allow control of irrigation equipment.
Satellite communication systems are being trialled with this product to overcome poor cellular coverage that would otherwise create problems in some rural parts of New Zealand. The app has been successfully tested on smart phones from different manufacturers, and can be used to control and monitor wireless soil moisture sensor networks over the internet. The soil moisture monitoring part of the app is being used at irrigation research trial sites this season, and the remote control of equipment component is being beta testing in controlled laboratory conditions.
JAGATH EKANAYAKE – LANDCARE RESEARCH