How do we really get more from less?
During July, our water-wise month celebration, we focus heavily on discussions about controllers, sprinkler heads, and more recently, low-volume irrigation or 'drip' systems. Many of us who have been in the industry for a while tend to tolerate the exaggerated claims that flood the media during this time from mainstream manufacturers, feeling a bit sorry for newcomers and professionals who may fall for it. Those of us who have spent our careers in the trenches, designing and manufacturing true industry-changing innovations possess insights and perspectives that others may not have yet earned.
It's important to remember that the founders of the early irrigation companies are no longer with us, and the industry is now led by different leadership with a differing mindset. Ultimately, a plastic nozzle is still just a plastic nozzle, and a control valve merely serves to turn water on and off. Frankly, the industry compromised the quality of nozzles when it shifted from milled brass to plastic—this shift was primarily driven by profit motives, resulting in products that are often inconsistent and less effective.
Controllers should prioritize user-friendliness, including weather-based models. In fact, I believe non-weather-based controllers should be banned outright today! If a contractor requests one, and a distributor supplies it, we are contradicting our messages about conservation and July's water-focused initiatives. Timers waste water, and by now, this is a well-known fact.
That said, while making choices about irrigation equipment is important, it should not be our primary focus. The materials required for a successful irrigation system are widely available, and savvy contractors should know what they prefer and negotiate the best prices—even if that means buying in bulk online, where delivery can often be free. Unfortunately, the distribution sector has lost its way, as corporations have taken over, and it often seems to prioritize profit over service. Additionally, many corporations are competing with contractors by acquiring engineering and contracting companies, making it even more crucial to negotiate hard for the best pricing.
Now, onto the main point I wanted to convey: amid all the hype about the latest products, we must remember that water is both our problem and our solution. Water is essential for plants to grow and thrive—not a specific type of drip system or nozzle. The quality of water we use directly impacts our success. If our water source is good, we usually encounter fewer issues. However, poor water sources lead to struggling crops and inefficient irrigation systems.
As an industry, we do not invest enough time in understanding and learning about water. Is all water simply H2O? Not quite. The water we use for irrigation is subject to various conditions, leading us to mistakenly believe that all water behaves and performs the same way. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Irrigators and professionals often fail to recognize that our water sources can be physically unordered and neutral in charge. This misunderstanding is a significant reason we tend to apply more water than necessary, regardless of the nozzle choice.
Would you believe that we have the capability today to reduce watering times from 30 minutes to just 15 minutes (as demonstrated in the site pictured in this article) while completely transforming it into a lush, emerald-green, high-quality turf? (Stay tuned for the next article.)
As our irrigation industry continues to grow, improve, and learn to use this precious resource more efficiently—one that we have taken for granted and misunderstood for decades—I look forward to sharing more insights. (More to come.)
