Yes, but do they work? Putting soil moisture sensors to the test

First in a smart water application technology series.

In Florida, irrigation water-use accounts for around 50% of total household water consumption. Most of the single-family homes recently built in Florida (as well as in the U.S.) include an automatic irrigation system, which results in an increase in demand from already limited water resources. 

Save water, Florida! Courtesy: EPA WaterSense

The development of best management practices for irrigation of landscapes has become an undeniable strategic, economic, and environmental issue for the state. New soil moisture sensor systems (SMSs) for landscape irrigation control may improve irrigation efficiency, promote water conservation, and reduce environmental impacts of over-irrigation.

Sensing savings

A research project was funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District to evaluate SMS-based irrigation systems. The main goal: to determine if SMSs could reduce the water applied, compared to common time-based irrigation schedules implemented by homeowners. At the same time, we wanted to know if these hypothetical water savings could be achieved without compromising an acceptable turf quality.

On the corner of research & technology: the plots

The experimental area (at UF research facilities in Gainesville) consisted of common bermudagrass plots (10 x 10 ft). The sensors of four commercially available SMS systems (brands Acclima, Rain Bird, Irrometer, and Water Watcher) were buried at the 7 to 10 cm depth. For comparison purposes, time-based treatments with and without a rain sensor, and a non-irrigated treatment were also implemented. 

Proper soil moisture sensor installation with Bernard Cardenas

Non-irrigated, but green
During the 2-year experiment, normal/wet weather conditions prevailed in the research area, which favored turf growth and development. As a result, no significant differences in turfgrass quality among treatments were detected, even when compared to the non-irrigated plots. This means that, for sustained normal/wet weather conditions in Gainesville, a bermudagrass turf probably would not need supplemental irrigation.

Regarding the SMS treatments, most of them recorded significant irrigation water savings compared to the time-based irrigation schedules. Savings ranged from 69% to 92% for three of the four SMS brands tested. The treatment with-rain-sensor, on the other hand, resulted in 34% less water applied than the without-rain-sensor treatment. All these water savings were achieved without decreasing turfgrass quality below acceptable levels.

Time to validate
Therefore, SMSs represent a promising technology for water conservation, even better than the rain sensors mandated by FL law. Given these results, we then sought to test SMSs under sustained dry weather conditions and in residential irrigation systems.

This research was conducted by Mr. Bernardo Cardenas, Dr. Michael D. Dukes and Dr. Grady Miller. 

Bernardo Cardenas has a M. Sc. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, from UF. He specializes in smart water application technology research, but refuses to irrigate his own lawn.

On our way to WaterSmart Innovations 2014

Next week I’ll be one of many water management workers, experts, academics and brand reps attending the WaterSmart Innovations Conference in Las Vegas, arguably the premiere water-efficiency gathering in the US.

Stakes are high
WaterSmart is always a treat for me for a host of reasons. Yes, there is a product expo for new gear and technology, but the emphasis at this event is the professional sessions. So many sessions! Inevitably, I’m forced to weigh great topics against great topics (maybe next time turf removal report ;_;) when ironing out the itinerary because there are so many interesting water-focused presentations.

Who can forget the animated debate that followed 2013's multi-stream nozzle talk

That this has been another year of harsh drought in the western US only underscores the importance of bringing experts and decision-makers together to share what has been working and successful in water management.

#WSI2014
WaterSmart divides professional sessions into different tracks, some more relevant to my work than others. With the intense drought in California, many suggest that water rationing is around the corner. One possible alternative is water budgets. Several municipalities have already adopted budgets. I'll be attending those sessions. I recently gave a talk to graduate students in UF's Ag & Bio Engineering Department about the value of social media, so reports of programs successfully integrating these resources in their outreach are always of interest to me.

Sensor vs. sensor: on-site and saving you water

And since much of my work entails working with all things smart irrigation (apps, soil sensors, WBICs!) I’m definitely excited about the sessions evaluating these devices in real world settings.

Gather 'round: UF's Bernard Cardenas will be presenting on soil moisture sensors at WaterSmart  

Stay tuned
I’ll be traveling to WaterSmart with IrriGator all-stars Dr. Michael Dukes and Bernard Cardenas. Watch for live tweets and a future report back and video.

Relive Watersmart 2013 courtesy Miami-Dade's Urban Conservation Unit

About the author: 

Michael Gutierrez is a water resources 
technician with UF/IFAS in the Ag & Bio 
Engineering Dept. He tweets, blogs and 
also shoots still and video media in South 
Florida, Gainesville and anywhere else a 
camera is handy. (image: Jesus Lomeli)

Florida-Friendly Landscapes: When less (irrigation) is definitely more (water conservation)

Usually, the conclusions follow the research, but not so for the water conservation benefit of Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL). The FFL program  has been touted as a method for conserving water (Florida statutes agree), but before our recently published study, no peer-reviewed published research existed documenting the actual water conservation of FFLs.

The FFL program promotes environmentally sustainable landscape practices. Recognized FFLs usually have more ornamental plants and less turfgrass, although there is no restriction on the amount of grass allowed. There are nine principles to  a recognized FFL, and the second principle “water efficiently” is the focus of our research. The FFL recommended practices for water conservation include:

     • Irrigating turfgrass and ornamental plants separately,
     • Grouping plants with similar water needs,
     • Reducing irrigation in the rainy summers and mild winters, and
     • Having a rain shutoff device for a sprinkler system.

Xeriscaping, a somewhat similar landscape approach, has been shown in research studies to reduce irrigation in the arid southwest. Although both FFL and Xeriscape have the same goal of conserving resources, they are designed for very different environments (both in terms of growing conditions and aesthetics). Additionally, FFL encourages wildlife habitat creation and protection whereas Xeriscape focuses primarily on water conservation.

L to R: Comparing perennial peanut to cacti - Florida-Friendly and xeriscape examples

For our study, we visited FFLs in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties in southwest Florida, evaluating 125 FFLs and identifying 736 comparison (well-maintained, turf-dominated) landscapes. All landscapes were part of single-family residential homes and used potable water for irrigation. We used up to twelve years of monthly water billing records for each home and property appraiser data to estimate each home’s monthly irrigation use, and we used daily weather data to estimate the monthly irrigation required (how much each home should have been watering). Once we began our site visits, we realized that just because a landscape was recognized as a FFL doesn’t mean that it’s still maintained as a FFL, or is a landscape that we would want to replicate. FFLs were classified as either good (well-maintained, diverse plantings) or not-so-good (well-maintained but not exhibiting FFL characteristics, or poorly maintained).

Recognized FFLs: The Goods

Recognized FFLs: The Not-So Goods

For the comparison landscapes, we rated the turf on a scale of 1 to 9, with minimally acceptable turf for our study being 6. The landscape quality of the comparison homes varied, from slightly patchy and yellow-green to beautiful green carpets of high-quality turfgrass you could take a nap on.

Comparison homes: Not all turfgrass is created equal

Our analysis of estimated irrigation use indicated that FFL homes used 50% less irrigation than comparison homes, and irrigation savings were seen in every month (shown in figure below). At least half of all monthly irrigation values were zero, meaning that a large portion of both FFLs and comparisons did not use in-ground irrigation systems or water regularly. Both landscapes were irrigated less than what was required for well-watered turfgrass.

When considering only “Good” FFLs and their comparison landscapes with high-quality turfgrass, irrigation savings increased to 76%. Comparison homes’ irrigation exceeded the irrigation required for well-watered turfgrass in the winter months.

Before becoming FFL-recognized, the FFL homes already used less irrigation than the comparison homes did, meaning that those most concerned with water use were more likely to choose a Florida-Friendly Landscape. Even though they tended to already be low water users, FFL homes reduced their irrigation use 28% after their landscapes became recognized.

The results of this study demonstrate the ability of FFLs to conserve potable water used for irrigation. A follow-up study will survey FFL and comparison homeowners so we can better understand how the irrigation savings are being achieved.

Thanks to Southwest Florida Water Management District and Tampa Bay Water for funding this project and to Michael Gutierrez and Sara Wynn for their assistance. This study was co-authored by Michael Dukes, Linda Young, and Shu Wang.

About the author

Mackenzie Boyer is a Ph.D. candidate in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Florida. She studies residential irrigation using utility water billing data. Her two dogs undermine all her efforts to keep her own lawn looking presentable.    

EPAF 2014: delivering UF/IFAS research through mobile app technology

PANAMA CITY BEACH - An exciting new adventure began at EPAF 2014 – researchers and specialists developing UF/IFAS apps got together and showcased their products! All the apps provide information that can be used by anyone and are available in both the iOs and Android app stores.

Dr. Michael Dukes and Dr. Gail Hansen De Chapman lead discussion

Amongst the presenters was Michael Dukes and Gale Marie Hansen De Chapman. They introduced the (soon to be released) Florida Gardening Solutions App and the Florida Friendly Landscaping Plant Guide, respectively.

Dr. Paul Fisher presents Backpocketgrower

Another useful product was Dr. Paul Fisher's Backpocketgrower app. 

Kinwa Inc.'s David Muir leads a breakout group

The event also hosted two app developers - Jose Debastiani Andreis (who works for the AgroClimate group) and David Muir from North FL outfit Kinwa, Inc. Both provided excellent perspective on the finer points of undertaking an app development project.

Jose Andreis: programmer for all the Smartrrigation Apps

In search of a list of UF/IFAS apps? This document may not be comprehensive, but it includes all the products covered at EPAF. 

Missed the training? Watch the video.

Kati Migliaccio, PhD PE

Associate Professor

Tropical REC / Agricultural & Biological Engineering

Drip Irrigation School IST

Who?

Some of IFAS's finest faculty! Bob Hochmuth (SmallFarms mastermind), Kelly Morgan (UF Agricultural BMP coordinator), Lincoln Zotarelli (Vegetable crop expert and irrigation guru), and George Hochmuth (Fertlizer/irrigation expert and all around great guy)- just to name a few!


What?

Drip Irrigation School (more info on drip)

Day 1
Time	Topic	Speaker	Location
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.	Check-in & Snacks: Refreshments will be provided		Conference Room
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.	Welcome: Introduction of Speaker Line-Up, Introduction of Attendees	Kelly Morgan	Conference Room
9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.	Drip Irrigation System Design, Components, and Installation	Mark Burgess	Start in Conference Room
11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.	Break: Refreshments will be provided		Conference Room
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	Soil Water Holding Capacity 101	Kelly Morgan	Conference Room
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.	Lunch will be provided		Conference Room/ Pole Barn
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.	Irrigation Scheduling: Basic Principles of soil water holding capacity – field capacity, permanent wilting point, available water content, evapotranspiration, demo with soil columns for water movement in Florida soils. Determining and Scheduling Irrigation, Fertigation Events, Splitting Irrigation Events, Tools and Techniques – Use of Soil Moisture Based Sensors to Monitor Soil Moisture Levels – TDRs, Tensiometer, Gypsum Blocks/Granular Matrix Sensors	Lincoln Zotarelli/Mace Bauer	Conference Room/Outside
3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.	Break: Refreshments will be provided		Conference Room
3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	Developing a Fertilizer Management Plan for Drip Irrigated Crops and Complying with BMP Requirements (Calculations)	George Hochmuth,	Conference Room
5:00 p.m.	Adjourn for Day 1

Where?

Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center

(The classes will be held at the Center’s Farm location, 8202 County Road 417, Live Oak, FL 32060)

When?

November 18-19, 2014

How?

UF IFAS Extension Faculty can register on PDEC. If you plan to attend - let Aparna Gazula know at agazula@ufl.edu   

If you build it, they will come: the UF/IFAS Landscape Unit

August marks one year since the completion of the Landscape Unit research plots at UF and a perfect occasion to reflect on the aims and usefulness of this site.

Modest beginnings

Last summer, thanks to UF’s Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology, Turfgrass Science, and the Florida-Friendly Program, a weedy, derelict expanse off SW 23^rd Terr. in Gainesville was transformed into a paved, fully operation research area.

A freshly scrapped site

Planner's conference as the structure takes shape

Removing fumigation plastic: Mackenzie Boyer fears no poison

The terrain was scraped and fumigated, a road and concrete rest areas were built, and landscaping and irrigation was designed and installed. 

Bring on the landscapes!

July 26, 2013: Planting Day

When installing irrigation, the ditch witch is your friend

All told, four plots were erected: three to resemble homes (in terms of square feet) with front and back yards, and one for showcasing different plants and turfgrass species.

That green green

The timetable for the initial build did not allow for the installation of warm season turfgrass. Ryegrass was used as a placekeeper throughout fall and winter. 

Fall 2013: the ryegrass emerges

Summer 2014: the St. Augustinegrass goes in

Early this summer, however, many of the initial landscaping team reassembled to lay St. Augustine sod in the research plots as well as Bahia, Centipede and Zoysia turfgrass for the demonstration area.

You weren't out there? Relive the magic

Getting out what you put in

Once the final ingredient was in place in the research plots, the real work began: logging resource expenditures - where resource includes fuel for maintenance equipment, labor hours and water use quantity. 

Front to back: zoysia, centipede, bahia, and St. Augustine

In urban landscape irrigation, one of the tenants of outdoor water-use efficiency is designing a landscape with minimal water requirements. In our case, this means a Florida-friendly landscape (FFL) – composed of native or drought-tolerant trees, plants and groundcovers, and perhaps also a smattering of turfgrass, all of it watered with an emphasis on hydrozoning and low-volume irrigation.

Attracting wildlife is one of the FFL principles

Groundcover de jeur: perennial peanut 40 weeks old

The antithesis of FFL is termed “traditional.” This landscape features maximum, jolly green turfgrass and sparse use of ornamentals, usually irrigated with no consideration for plant-type or water need. (As an irrigation tech I can testify to the prevalence of this design in urban irrigation.) The work in the Landscape Unit will reveal which of these two landscape designs is really the most resource efficient.

Courtesy East Bay Regional Park District

This is a topical question right now. Residential landscapes are often implicated in contributing to nonpoint source pollution (run-off and leaching of fertilizer and chemicals). In the drought-mired western U.S., water conservation programs target turfgrass landscapes with turf removal rebates, encouraging the use of drought-tolerant plants. And in California, where 2/3 of the state is now in exceptional drought, “brown is the new green” aptly describes a cultural moment where maintaining healthy turf and conserving water is no longer a tenable equation.

Quiet on the set

Drip irrigation up close and personal

As a visual media producer, I've come to see the Landscape Unit as a living set. To date it has played a role in no less than eight videos – some profiling aspects of the site, others capitalizing on the rich assortment of plants and irrigation equipment located there. 

Dr. Michael Dukes at a recent training with FL Extension personnel

Over the past year the site has also hosted an FNGLA conference, a Florida Irrigation Society course, an Extension Agent in-service training, and several master gardener tours.

Take an aerial tour

The Landscape Unit research site is a valuable resource, and I look forward to following the progress of the on-going plot study and helping develop future uses.

About the author: 

Michael Gutierrez is a water resources 
technician with UF/IFAS in the Ag & Bio 
Engineering Dept. He tweets, blogs and 
also shoots still and video media in South 
Florida, Gainesville and anywhere else a 
camera is handy. (image: Stacia Davis)

Irrigation principles and management? Yes please!

Fall 2014 heralds an exciting new era in irrigation graduate education at University of Florida with a hot-off-the-press course offered by Drs. Kati Migliaccio and Michael Dukes in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department.

This course will take advantage of the distance education (DE) format and thus be available to all UF graduate students - no matter the location!

Take a peek at one of the new technologies that we'll use in the course:

Turf app

Additional examples of what you'll learn:

How to perform a hydrometer test (like the pros do it).

How to use a tensiometer to schedule irrigation.

How all the components work in an irrigation system.

How to fix leaks...not leeks.

Register today

So - if you are looking for something new and exciting to do this fall - check out: 

☆。★。☆。★ 

。☆ 。☆。☆ 

 ★。＼｜／。★  

ABE 6933 Irrigation Principles and Management 

★。／｜＼ °★ 

  。☆。 。° ☆。  

☆。 ★。☆ °★

   

And now....the top 5 reasons to take this course

5. New UF/IFAS videos will be showcased in the course for the first time on different irrigation systems throughout Florida.

4. Posting pics of irrigation is cool.

3. With DE course flexibility, fall is the new summer.

2. Materials are fresh off the press - showcasing the newest irrigation technologies.

1. You can now fix your parents' irrigation system - their investment in your education has paid off!