TitleAutonomous irrigation controller enabling the plant to irrigate itself according to
real consumption, saving water and preventing drainage and environmental contamination (Ref: 08 IL ILMI 0JIJ)
DeadlineWed, January 14, 2009
AbstractAn Israeli SME has developed and manufactured a new irrigation computer designed
for autonomous irrigation enabling the plant to irrigate itself, when and how much needed (without
human intervention). The irrigation computer is applicable to any vegetation, all soil types, and
fit for all methods of irrigation. The computer is equipped with rechargeable batteries and a solar
panel. The company seeks a partner for collaboration.
DescriptionAn Israeli company has developed and manufactured an autonomous irrigation
controller enabling the plant to irrigate itself when and how much needed, according to
consumption, saving water and preventing drainage and environmental contamination. Precision
irrigation requires measurement of several different parameters in order to schedule the irrigation
and determine the volume of water required in each application. The measurements are complicated
and cannot be carried out by an ordinary plant grower (farmer, home owner of a garden, etc.). The
demand for water by the plant is changing constantly (daily and seasonally), which makes it
impossible to make correct irrigation decisions in real time. Consequently, in spite of the best
guidelines that scientific research can offer to the plant grower today (or in the future), the
irrigation in daily practice is basically an empirical endeavour, and approximate at best. The
perfect solution for precision irrigation is achieved by transferring the irrigation control to the
plant itself. The company defined a control as autonomous irrigation concept, in opposition to
automatic irrigation (by computers), by integrating technology (hardware, software) and method of
application. The product developed (Fig 1) was researched during six years and found to fulfil the
expectations. To achieve autonomous irrigation the company attached the tensiometer to an
irrigation controller that is connected to a hydraulic valve. The controller “irrigates” itself,
keeping a constant water tension threshold near the tensiometer, thereby causing intense root
growth in the vicinity of the controller. The high root density near the controller dries the soil
according to plant consumption and activates the irrigation valve at the pre-set threshold tension.
The result is a plant-driven TTAI (Threshold Tension Autonomous Irrigation). Frequency of
irrigation by this system is a function of several parameters: plant consumption, soil water
content, the threshold tension of irrigation, and the irrigation layout. The frequency is greater
when the plant consumption is higher, the soil water content is lower, and the setting of the
threshold tension irrigation is lower. The controller compensates for errors in irrigation layout.
When the irrigated area is restricted, (insufficient laterals and drippers, drippers positioned too
far apart, etc.) the frequency of irrigation is increased to sustain plant consumption. The
controller is applicable for irrigation in all soil types and plants, and in every cultivation
method (soils and soil-less culture).
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Innovations and advantages of the offer
1. The irrigation computer enables automation. 2. The need to adopt an irrigation plan is
eliminated. 3. The plant irrigates itself autonomously. 4. The irrigation is precise, error-free.
5. The irrigation responds instantly to daily and hourly changes in water consumption. 6. A desired
threshold tension in the range of 0 to -50 kPa is set and maintained accurately. 7. Allowing
stress-free growth, or alternatively an accurate and measurable level of stress (if it is required
for optimal plant cultivation). 8. Ability to regulate plant development (growth, yield, fruit
quality) by precisely keeping a threshold of soil water content in part of the root system. 1. A
single unit is sufficient for irrigation control. 2. Costly irrigation computers are not essential.
3. The response is in real time. 4. Irrigation depth to various levels can be controlled without
drainage. 5. Detects changes in demand in real time by the water potential changes in parts of the
root system. 6. Plant-driven (autonomous as well as automatic), error-free and precise irrigation.
7. Saving 50% of water by increased irrigation efficiency, and an additional 25% by doubling dry
matter production at a precise moderate stress. 8. Preventing drainage, reducing groundwater
contamination. 9. Cost-effective: a single unit controls the irrigation of any plot size (provided
soil type and plant size are reasonably uniform) and irrigation depth. 10. Applicable to all plant
species. 11. Applicable to all irrigation methods. 12. Applicable to all growth media (soil and
soil-less culture).
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List of Keywords
Technology
Automation, Robotics Control Systems · Agriculture · Agriculture Machinery / Technology ·
Ecology · Environmental Engineering / Technology
Market
· Garden and horticultural products · Industrial Automation · Industrial measurement and
sensing equipment · Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Animal Husbandry and Related Products
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Current Stage of Development
Available for demonstration - field tested
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Exploitation of RTD ResultsPrivate Research
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Intellectual Property Rights
Patent(s) granted - Comments: USA
Organisation/Company
Type: Industry Size: <10
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Collaboration Type· Joint Venture Agreement · License Agreement · Adaptation to specific
needs · Absolutely novel process · Assembly · Engineering · Technical consultancy
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Comments- Type of partner sought: Industry. - Specific area of activity of the partner:
Manufacturer of irrigation systems, or\and distributor of irrigation systems. - Task to be
performed: Adapting to the local market and assembly (under license), market development and
distribution.
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Targeted Countries
All
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