Smart Irrigation–that’s only half the story…
As we promote the use of smart technology for improved irrigation practices and their associated benefits, it’s important to highlight the significance of water quality. Often, water quality is overlooked in our routine discussions, yet it should be at the forefront of our understanding, design, and management of irrigation and sprinkler systems.
For many, “water” is simply water. Although we utilize various sources for our irrigation projects, we often treat them all the same, assuming that if it’s wet, it’s suitable. Unfortunately, this perspective is misleading; different water sources can vary significantly in quality. This oversight means we’re only addressing part of the issue.
It’s surprising that many individuals in the plant-growing business don’t fully grasp the importance of understanding soil. Soil health is essential for productive growing, yet soil sampling and analysis are rarely conducted, especially in the commercial landscape sector. Even in the golf industry, soil sampling can be infrequent.
The same concept applies to water. Consider when you last conducted a water analysis. Well water, city water, recycled water, and sources like ponds and lakes all possess distinct chemical compositions, each interacting differently with various soil chemistries. For instance, sodium and salts can bind with heavy, alkaline soils found in many western regions, creating a sealing or capping effect that leads to runoff—often invisible to the naked eye. Only through soil and water analysis can we truly understand what’s happening beneath the surface of over-fertilized turf.
Emerging technology, such as magnetically conditioning water, is becoming a promising solution to tackle water quality and soil health challenges. This straightforward, research-backed technology is applicable for everyone, from residential users to large-scale growers. It requires no chemicals, power, or maintenance and involves no compressors, hoses, or complicated installations. It’s incredibly easy to implement.
If you’re seeking the next advancement in irrigation and soil health, prioritize addressing water quality.
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