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3 Smart Reasons to use an Irrigation Water Flow Meter

By Katie Englin

Smart Irrigation practices include using precise irrigation tools and good irrigation management decisions for proper irrigation scheduling. Irrigation scheduling is the process of applying water to crops at the exact frequency and amounts needed. It involves studying, understanding, applying, then monitoring and controlling essential instruments such as soil moisture probes and flow meters to ensure efficient use of energy and water in crop production is achieved. Proper irrigation scheduling minimizes the waste of water and nutrients, supporting conservation while maximizing crop yields. How do you know when to apply water? How do you know how much water to apply? You can’t manage what you don’t measure, making the flow meter an integral component of an efficient irrigation system.

Three reasons why using an irrigation flow meter is a smart business practice:

1) Improve crop quality and increase yields – You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Today, virtually every input on a farm is measured from electricity used, to fertilizer applied, to pesticides applied, etc. Even runoff is typically measured. It only makes sense to measure how much irrigation water is used. Using the right amount of water on the field at the right time, and in the right place, can improve crop quality, reduce energy and fertilizer costs, minimize top soil erosion and increase yields.

2) Determine pump efficiency and quickly identify irrigation system problems to save $ – Any time the pump is on, water is moving and costs are being incurred. Where variable speed drives are used, associated costs can include both fuel and electricity. As a management tool, a flow meter can help an irrigator find the best efficiency point for their system, in turn saving fuel and ensuring your pump is running at RPMs that will maximize its life expectancy, and save money on costly pump repairs, fuel and/or electricity. In addition to pump efficiency, a flow meter can be used as a system diagnostic tool, and tell growers critical information about the health of their irrigation system. Rate and totalization information provided by a flow meter can help users identify irrigation system problems early such as leaks, so they can be corrected quickly. Catching problems early, can result in swift fixes, reduced down-time and reduced maintenance costs.

3) Know how much irrigation water you used this season to help you plan for next season – Historical records of water use can allow growers and irrigators to make smart decisions on managing their fields. Just as underwatering can result in decreased crop yields, overwatering can have similar effects. Historical data on water use enables growers to better understand how weather patterns, including drought can affect a growing season. Additionally, water supply allocations and reductions are an unfortunate reality for many growers, and historical data from a flow meter can help you understand how much water you’ve needed in past seasons to help plan for future growing seasons.

Whether your method of irrigating is by center pivot, drip, micro-irrigation or other, a flow meter is an essential tool for every irrigation system. They provide valuable information about water use and irrigation system efficiency and help irrigators manage and schedule irrigation more precisely, in turn maximizing crop quality and yields while conserving the world’s most precious natural resource.

Smart Practices. Smart Technology. Smart Business.

Katie Englin is an Agricultural Irrigation Specialist with Seametrics. Seametrics, a TASI flow business, is a designer and manufacturer of a wide variety of flow metering and submersible sensor products. Since 1990 we have provided innovative solutions to users in irrigation, fracking, water treatment, groundwater, surface water, and chemical processing applications. Our products have a reputation for durability and accuracy at a competitive price and are sold through a network of domestic and international distributors. Located just south of Seattle, our Kent, WA factory is home to both our engineering and production groups. We employ just-in-time manufacturing methods and have a high commitment to continuous improvement as demonstrated by our ISO 9001 quality management system. Our focus on innovation, product value and customer accessibility has resulted in over two decades of continuous growth. Seametrics is dedicated to helping conserve the world’s most valuable resource by providing our customers with precision flow meter and environmental sensor products.

The post News first appeared on Seametrics.

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Seametrics Releases New LevelSCOUT 2X Level Logger

KENT, Wash. – Seametrics has announced the release of the brand new LevelSCOUT 2X Level & Temperature Sensor with integrated data logger; the next generation of their LevelSCOUT Series Level Loggers. It joins Seametrics’ full line of research-grade level, pressure and water quality smart sensors.  

Now equipped with more memory, increased protection, and more customization options, the LevelSCOUT 2X is designed to fit more applications and last longer than ever before. It’s constructed with 316 stainless steel, fluoropolymer, and acetal, providing highly accurate readings in rugged and corrosive field conditions.

The LevelSCOUT 2X is an absolute sensor, meaning it requires no vent tubes, desiccant, or bellows. Pair it with the Seametrics BaroSCOUT 2X barometric pressure sensor to adjust its readings for current atmospheric pressure.  Aqua4Plus 2.0 software also features barometric compensation utility making the thermally compensated LevelSCOUT 2X one of the most accurate absolute level loggers on the market.  

It’s the ideal sensor for site assessments, tidal studies, pumping tests, environmental monitoring, surface water discharge measurement, and aquifer level monitoring, as well as aquifer storage and recovery. This sensor networks with the rest of the Seametrics Smart Sensor family with ease.

The LevelSCOUT 2X features free state-of-the-art logging software, Aqua4Plus, and is compatible with most telemetry and control systems. It records up to 100,000 records of level, temperature, and time data, operates with low power, and features easy-to-use software with powerful features. You can use your own software or logging equipment to read measurements via RS485 and/or SDI-12, tying into your existing telemetry and control systems.

Still the leader in sustainable sensor design, LevelSCOUT 2X features replaceable batteries, field serviceable cables, and modular design to protect your investment and the environment.  A unique advantage in a market full of disposable sensors.  In addition, Seametrics backs the LevelSCOUT 2X with a 3-year warranty.

Accurate. Reliable. Lasts a lifetime.  

LevelSCOUT 2X – The Heart of Your Monitoring.

The post News first appeared on Seametrics.

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TASI Flow’s Vögtlin Supports Ventilator Development

Unsung heroes – LifeVent Ventilator: How engineers help to save people in difficult times

We all see the heroes in this difficult COVID-19 pandemic. People who take the initiative and risks to help other people. Except for the nurses, doctors, caregivers, public service people and many more, there are also engineers who make their contribution in order to save lives.

May 27, 2020 / Aesch, Switzerland – For the care of patients in intensive care units (ICU) there are currently two major challenges: First there is a worldwide shortage of mechanical ventilators in nearly all countries.

The second challenge is having enough trained nurses to operate the ventilators available. The work in the ICUs is very demanding job and the training of new staff takes a long time.

In this situation, an easy operation of mechanical ventilators can help to save lives.

Kaan Burak ÇAKIROĞLU from SSN Machinery in Turkey put all resources of his company into the development of a mechanical ventilator which is easy to handle and can be produced at short notice andaffordable costs. In a record time, he could present his first instrument called LifeVent. “The design of the ventilator is not only focused on high reliability, but also on industrial field proven components from reliable global suppliers” says Kaan. LifeVent is now going through the latest tests and approvals and will soon be available worldwide.

Vögtlin Instruments, the expert for gasflow technology of the TASI Flow Group, is proud to support Kaan and his Team at SSN in developing this highly sophisticated reliable machine by supplying swiss engineered mass flow controllers that control the respiration flow in a highly reliable manner.

We believe that this new type of ventilators will be a big help for various countries with less intensive care possibilities. Thanks to engineers like Kaan with an engagement, a belief and a vision, we can fight the coronavirus.

>> www.lifevent.co.uk

About Vögtlin Instruments GmbH

Established in 1986, Vögtlin Instruments GmbH is a Swiss manufacturer of precision flow instrumentation.

Vögtlin became a member of the TASI group in 2011. The division TASI Flow delivers flow meter, flow control and dispensing solutions for various industrial and Hi-Technology applications. TASI Flow products are developed, produced, distributed and serviced through competence centers in the US (Florida, California, Wisconsin), in Europe (Germany, Switzerland and the UK) and China (Beijing and Shanghai).

» www.voegtlin.com

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4 Keys for Selecting an Irrigation Flow Meter

By Katie Englin

Water agencies across the United States and abroad continue to require water flow meters for new and existing agricultural irrigation applications to measure and manage surface and groundwater use.  There is a growing need to conserve resources, balance the water needs of agriculture with other industries, and with the continuing growing population residential use is driving water conservation as never before.

Irrigation scheduling is the process used by irrigators to determine the correct frequency and duration of watering crops.  It involves understanding, applying, and then monitoring and controlling necessary instruments such as soil moisture sensors, rain gauges and flow meters to ensure efficient water use in crop production. This minimizes water waste and supports water conservation while maximizing crop health and yields.  Good irrigation scheduling practices include knowing how much water is applied to each field. A properly selected and installed flow meter accurately measures the amount of water volume applied.  An accurate flow meter is an essential tool to practicing good irrigation scheduling.

The two most common types of flow meters for irrigation are electromagnetic and propeller.  Propeller meters are mechanical flow meters that have been around in irrigation since as early as 1919, and therefore make up a large portion of installed base of irrigation water meters in the US.  Over fifteen years ago, many considered propeller meters the best meter choice for irrigation – that’s not the case today.  Costly propeller meter repairs caused many meter users to look for other flow measurement options.  With technology advancements, electromagnetic flow meters are now available battery powered for remote irrigation locations.  Many offer long battery lives, high accuracy in tight spaces, and with no moving parts to wear out they are not affected by debris. Some magnetic flow meters offer a price point similar to a mechanical propeller meter.  Magnetic flow meters are quickly gaining popularity in irrigation.

Use the following four tips to help with proper flow meter selection:

1. What is the application?

Understanding the fluid media, flow range, temperature, pressure, line size, needed signal outputs and available space for installation are all necessary to ensure proper flow meter selection. 

What is the media?  Is it groundwater, surface water, water from a pond or lagoon of manure slurries?  While a mechanical meter may work fine for a clean water application where the flow range falls within the meter’s capabilities, magnetic flow meters offer the highest accuracy and performance in both clean and dirty water applications.  With no moving parts, weeds, trash, and slurries that may otherwise become entangled in a mechanical meter, easily flow through magnetic meters. 

What are the minimum and maximum flow ranges?  Knowing the minimum and maximum flow range is most critical when selecting a mechanical propeller flow meter. Propeller meters require a minimum amount of flow to turn the bearing assembly and propeller fast enough to ensure an accurate reading.  If the flow rate exceeds the rating of the mechanical meter, the bearing assembly can suffer costly damage and the meter will not function properly.  With no moving parts to wear out, magnetic flow meter offers higher accuracy over a broader flow range than mechanical meters.

What is the temperature and pressure?  Most flow meters offered for this market are rated up to 150 psi and 140 F operating temperature. Most of these applications fall well within that temperature and pressure range.  However, it’s always wise to confirm the application temperature and pressure.

What is the line size?  This will help determine the style of meter.  Both electromagnetic and mechanical meters are available in full bore and insertion style configurations.  In terms of cost and ease of installation, an insertion style may be the best option for larger line sizes. 

Does the meter need a signal output?  Some applications require the meter can send a signal such as pulse, 4-20mA or Modbus. In some cases, the output is used to send a signal to a remote telemetry system, allowing irrigators to collect meter data remotely.  Signal outputs are optional on propeller flow meters, and will add the cost of a transmitter or special digital register that can provide outputs. Most electromagnetic flow meters include a pulse signal output as a standard feature, making them “telemetry system ready,” and Modbus or 4-20mA output signals can be provided for a small additional cost.   

How much room is available to install a meter?  Flow meter straight run pipe requirements are expensive in terms of materials and installation labor.  In cases where a new flow meter is added to existing equipment, often there is not enough space to accommodate the straight pipe run necessary for accurate flow measurement.  Mechanical propeller meters require more space to install due to the longer straight run requirements to ensure proper and accurate performance. Straightening vanes or flow straightening devices can be installed ahead of a propeller meter to shorten the straight run pipe requirement, but can add substantially to the cost and installation labor involved.  Typically, a standard full-bore electromagnetic flow meter will fit nicely into a tight space and measure flow accurately.  Even some insertion style magnetic flow meters will require less straight run installation space than a propeller meter and operate accurately. 

2.  How important is accuracy?

In general, electromagnetic meters are more accurate than mechanical meters.  Most electromagnetic meters for irrigation, offer +/-1% of flow rate over a wide flow range with no head loss.  The most common mechanical meters used in irrigation are propeller flow meter.  Propeller meters generally offer +/-2% accuracy within a specified flow range, and some head loss should be expected. Since there are no moving parts to wear out, electromagnetic meters can maintain accuracy over the lifetime of the meter. 

3. What is your meter maintenance schedule?

Just like most farm equipment, all irrigation flow meters will need attention at some point. 

Mechanical propeller meters have moving parts such as the propeller, bearings and mechanical register that may wear out, causing interruptions in measurement data and resulting in costly repairs.  The parts for mechanical meters have increased substantially over the years and repairing one can be almost as costly as replacing it. The standard warranty on most mechanical propeller meters is one year. 

Electromagnetic meters do not have any moving parts to break, and maintenance is usually limited to battery replacement.  Many battery powered magnetic flow meters now offer a 5-year battery life, and battery replacement cost is a small fraction of the cost associated with a typical mechanical meter repair.  In addition, most electromagnetic flow meters come standard with a two to five-year warranty, depending on brand.

4. Electromagnetic or mechanical?

Electromagnetic flow meters – Also called magnetic meters or magmeters for short, operate by Faraday’s Law – if a conductive fluid, such as irrigation water, goes through a magnetic field, it creates a small voltage. Motion of a conductive fluid through the field generates a small amount of electricity, just like a generator (more flow = more voltage). Electrical coils placed outside the flow are momentarily energized. A magnetic field crosses the flow at right angles, electrodes measure the changing voltage, and the display unit shows rate and total. Magmeters have been around for 60 years, just not in irrigation.  They were typically used in municipal and industrial, water and wastewater applications. In the past 15 years or so, magnetic meter technology has advanced so much that some are now available battery powered, making them great for irrigation use.  Most magmeters come standard with many features that are optional on mechanical propeller meters.  Many times, the overall out-of-pocket cost for a magmeter will be lower than the price of a mechanical propeller meter. To ensure you get the best value for your money, consider what you need in the flow meter – add for pulse output, straightening vanes (for tight space installations), high capacity bearing assembly, digital read out, data logging and any other options you may need on the mechanical propeller meter – then compare the price to a battery powered electromagnetic meter that normally includes all the options you need as standard features.  In the end, magmeters offer:  higher accuracy over broader flow ranges, no moving parts to replace, durability, no flow obstruction, long battery life, low maintenance, longer warranties, and minimal straight run requirements for tight space installations.  In addition to full bore, some magmeters are now available in saddle insertion style for ease of installation in both new installations and retrofit/replacement of existing saddle propeller meters.

Mechanical propeller meters – Also called propeller meters or prop meters for short, operate under the following principles – The propeller meter consists of a rotating device, typically a helical-shaped impeller, positioned in the flow stream. The impeller’s rotational velocity is directly proportional to the velocity of the flow.  As water flows through the pipe, it spins the propeller.  The spinning motion is then carried to the head of the meter, through either gears or a drive cable. The instantaneous flow rate and total volume flowed can be read on the mechanical or digital meter register.  Though they operate under the same principle, these meters are available in a variety of installation configurations to suit the installers need:  saddle style, flanged style, threaded ends, grooved ends, etc., which can make installation simpler.  Propeller meters can offer an economical flow metering solution when all that’s needed is mechanical rate and total volume flowed.  They typically work fine in clean water applications, but water carrying debris can damage the moving parts.  While mechanical propeller meters used to be the most economical choice for irrigation, that’s typically no longer the case. Many times, choosing a mechanical propeller meter is much like ordering your meal from the al la carte menu at a restaurant.  If all you want is one taco and a glass of water, you will get a low-cost meal. But, add rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream, and you will likely pay more ordering from the al la carte menu than purchasing a combination plate that includes all of the “options” you want.  If you need anything other than mechanical rate and total, comparing the cost and benefits of mechanical technology to electromagnetic may be wise before making a purchase.

Katie Englin is an Agricultural Irrigation Specialist with Seametrics.  Seametrics, an ONICON Measurement Solutions business, is a designer and manufacturer of a wide variety of flow metering and submersible sensor products. Since 1990 we have provided innovative solutions to users in irrigation, fracking, water treatment, groundwater, surface water, and chemical processing applications. Our products have a reputation for durability and accuracy at a competitive price and are sold through a network of domestic and international distributors. Located just south of Seattle, our Kent, WA factory is home to both our engineering and production groups. We employ just-in-time manufacturing methods and have a high commitment to continuous improvement as demonstrated by our ISO 9001 quality management system. Our focus on innovation, product value and customer accessibility has resulted in over two decades of continuous growth. Seametrics is dedicated to helping conserve the world’s most valuable resource by providing our customers with precision flow meter and environmental sensor products.

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Remote Level Monitoring with the PT2X at Clinton Gulch Reservoir

Who The Clinton Gulch Reservoir was built between 1974 and 1978 by the Climax Molybdenum Company; on August of 1992 the Clinton Gulch Reservoir was sold to the Clinton Ditch & Reservoir Company, which includes among its shareholders Summit County, the Towns of Breckenridge, Dillon and Silverthorne, and the Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone and Winter Park Ski Areas. Now 25 years later the reservoir has become an increasingly critical resource for business and recreation in the Summit and Grand counties as well as for Lake County and for people throughout Colorado.

Where The reservoir capacity is 4,460 acre feet and its water source is Clinton Creek. The water is retained by a rockfill dam with dimensions of approximately 170 feet high and 1,500 feet long. The water in the reservoir is used primarily for municipal, irrigation and snow-making purposes. Clinton Gulch Reservoir provides a reliable source of water supply to local private and government entities in an over-appropriated basin. Also, due to its location high in the basin (at 11,050 feet), releases from the Reservoir for downstream uses help maintain healthy stream flows in Tenmile Creek.

The Seametrics Solution We have monitored water levels in the reservoir and its outlet canal using Seametrics’ PT2X Pressure & Level Sensors since 2007. Because the location of the dam is about a 2 hour drive from our office and there is no cell phone coverage at its location, we used a phone landline and modem to connect to the PT2X sensors in order to periodically download data needed for water rights reporting and administration. We recently updated our communication equipment to a satellite connection that allows us to remotely operate the outlet valves. With the help of Sean Venable, Seametrics Product Manager, we were able to easily integrate our reliable PT2X sensors into the new system.

-Clinton Ditch & Reservoir Company

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Harbour Group’s ONICON Acquires Pulsar Process Measurement Ltd

ST. LOUIS, Dec. XX, 2018 – ONICON Incorporated, a Harbour Group company, has acquired the parent company of Pulsar Process Measurement Ltd. (“Pulsar”), Jeff Fox, Harbour Group’s chairman and chief executive officer, announced today. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Pulsar designs and manufactures ultrasonic- and radar-based non-contact level and flow measurement instruments. Pulsar’s products provide solutions related to level, open channel flow, pipe flow, sludge interference measurement, and pump control for water utilities and industrial customers worldwide. The company was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Malvern, England.

Mr. Fox commented, “The addition of Pulsar provides ONICON with further penetration and product offerings within the water and wastewater markets. Pulsar’s scale and operations also provide ONICON with an expanded international footprint.”

John Norris, president and chief executive officer of ONICON, commented, “Pulsar has a very strong brand, entrenched market position within water and wastewater, and extraordinary ultrasonic and radar measurement capabilities. We are excited to work with the Pulsar team and see tremendous growth opportunities for the combined business.��

Pulsar’s co-founder and managing director, Keith Beard, added: “We are excited to partner with ONICON and believe their reputation in market, strong product offering, and diversification will further enhance the Pulsar brand and business. We believe our engineering, market presence, and product suite will further complement the ONICON business, specifically in water and wastewater markets. We are also excited to leverage Onicon’s presence in North America to grow our business. In addition to partnering with ONICON, Harbour Group’s operational expertise will ensure we have the foundation to capitalize on the opportunities in front of us.”

About ONICON ONICON Incorporated has been in the flow measurement business since 1987. Headquartered in Largo, Fla., ONICON designs and manufactures a full line of highly accurate flow meters and energy measurement systems. The company provides a wide range of products, including turbine, vortex, electromagnetic, thermal mass, and ultrasonic meters as well as BTU meters and display modules. Every product is individually calibrated, and all products are delivered fully programmed for the customer’s application.

About Harbour Group Harbour Group is a privately owned, operations focused company based in St. Louis, Mo. Harbour Group’s companies are engaged in manufacturing and distribution in multiple industries, including fence and gate systems, interior wallcoverings and fabrics, LED lighting, flow control products, scientific products and lab ware, thermal management solutions, flow and energy measurement, boiler systems, professional diagnostic and repair tools, master distribution of fasteners, and auxiliary plastic processing equipment. Since its founding in 1976, Harbour Group has acquired 204 businesses in 43 different industries.

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Introducing the AG90 Battery Powered Insertion Magmeter

Features

Direct replacement for propeller meter

Industry leading 5-year warranty

4 year battery life

Easy to install

Less pipe obstruction

No moving parts or bearings to replace

No routine maintenance

Pulse Output Standard

Downloads

Press Release (49 MB)

Specification Sheet (3 MB)

Instruction Manual (741 KB)

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5 University Information Resources for Farmers

Universities that conduct research on agriculture provide excellent resources for farmers on how they can increase efficiency and productivity. Most universities have an extension or outreach page on their website that provides free information for farmers. Here are some examples of valuable resources available at leading agricultural science universities.

Washington State University Washington State University has partnered with Washington state farmers to improve productivity and efficiency of products.

Practical Use of Soil Moisture Sensors for Irrigation Scheduling Practical recommendations for using soil moisture sensors to improve an operation.

Drip Irrigation for Agricultural Producers Basic information for getting started with drip irrigation and how to calculate drip application rate.

Kansas State University The Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service has been working on farming issues for 100 years.

Frequently and Not-So-Frequently Asked Questions About Subsurface Drip Irrigation Essential information to know about subsurface drip irrigation.

Cropping Rotations Using Limited Irrigation Limited irrigation is a management practice utilizing crop rotations to “minimize water stress during critical crop growth stages.”

Water Runoff From Sprinkler Irrigation – A Case Study An article discussing factors that influence irrigation runoff.

University of Arizona The University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension provides information on a wide range of topics including sustainable agriculture, irrigation, and drought.

Measuring Water Flow and Rate on the Farm Information on things to consider when selecting a measuring device for irrigation.

Determining the Amount of Irrigation Water Applied to a Field An article that explains how to avoid applying too little or too much water to a field.

University of Florida The University of Florida’s online agriculture resources features an abundance of informational guides and publications.

Smart Irrigation Controllers: How Do Soil Moisture Sensor (SMS) Irrigation Controllers Work? An article explaining soil moisture sensor irrigation controllers.

Selection and Use of Water Meters for Irrigation Water Measurement Describes the different types of flow meters, selection criteria, and maintenance.

University of California Davis UC Davis was ranked as the second best university for agriculture sciences in the world.

Irrigating Corn with Limited Water Supplies A guide for irrigating corn crops with limited water supply. They also provide guides on Almonds, Olives, Winegrapes, Tomatoes, and other crops here.

How Farmers Irrigate in California An article describing the typical irrigation methods in California and facts about crop water needs.

Tip: A good way to find resources is to search a specific domain in Google for a keyword. E.g. site:http://ift.tt/22uietA irrigation

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How to Give the Gift of Water This Holiday

There are numerous organizations that are working on tough challenges related to water including improving accessibility to clean water or conducting research on the best strategies to conserve the freshwater resources we have. Here are 12 excellent organizations that you can contribute to in order to help with global water issues.

Pacific Institute A think tank that provides thought-leadership in developing sustainable water policies. Its mission is to create and advance solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. Donate

The Water Project For $12,000 to $15,000, you can sponsor a well or water project that will provide clean water and have an enormous impact on an entire village. Photos and GPS coordinates are provided to show progress during and after construction. Donate

Project WET Seametrics previously interviewed the CEO of Project WET, an organization helping teachers throughout the world teach students about important water concepts such as managing and conserving water resources. Donate

Columbia Water Center As part of Columbia University, the Columbia Water Center works on developing innovations to address water scarcity around the world. Some examples include large scale rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharging systems in Africa and water quantity and quality management strategies in China’s Yangtze River basin. Donate

Global Water Challenge GWC is a coalition of leading companies & NGOs that aim to solve our world’s most pressing global water challenges. They work with companies like Coca Cola to invest in safe water access programs with the goal to benefit 2 million people by 2015. Donate

American Rivers American Rivers focuses on river conservation and has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers since 1973. They advocate for water efficiency and low impact supply solutions to protect the water flowing in rivers. Donate

WaterCredit WaterCredit provides microfinance tools to help people obtain access to clean water. They have helped more than 2.6 million people access clean water and sanitation through $128 million in capital disbursed. Donate

Charity: Water Charity: Water puts 100% of public donations toward clean water projects and they provide photos and GPS to track projects you contribute to. You can donate small amounts or fund entire water projects starting at $10,000. Donate

The Soil and Water Conservation Society SWCS is a scientific and education non-profit that primarily serves as an advocate for conservation professionals and science-based policy. They create training and professional development opportunities for conservationists and educate local policy makers about conservation problems. Donate

Imagine H2O Imagine H2O inspires innovation and empowers entrepreneurs to tackle water problems through its prize competitions and business accelerator programs. Past competitions have included $50k in prizes for data-driven solutions to water resource challenges. Donate

American Water Works Association The largest non-profit scientific and education association focusing on managing and treating water. It works on providing solutions to effectively manage water and educates water professionals and the public about water issues. Donate

Waterkeeper Alliance The Waterkeeper Alliance works to protect water resources with 260 local organizations throughout six continents. The organization supports laws that protect water resources and volunteers monitor rivers and lakes for pollution. Donate

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Precision Irrigation Tools to Help Farmers Conserve Resources

As global demand for food grows and accessible freshwater resources continue to shrink, precision irrigation technology is helping farmers to save water while increasing productivity. The term precision irrigation can often refer to drip irrigation, however it can also include other tools such as variable rate application, sensors, and analytics that help farmers reduce water waste. Essentially, precision irrigation is concerned with optimizing irrigation across an entire field. Here are five tools and methods that help farmers to implement precision irrigation.

Data Collection and Analysis Collecting data about farm conditions from tools like real-time soil moisture management systems, climate data monitors, and drones can help farmers make quick decisions to optimize their water usage. Real-time data about the soil moisture in the field can allow the farmer to apply the right amount of water based on plant needs to avoid water waste or plant stress. Drones are an early-stage technology that is pending approval from the FAA for farm use and can efficiently collect useful data such as field drainage, plant maturity, irrigation leaks, crop health, and more. Software applications can analyze data from multiple sources and provide farmers with recommendations to increase irrigation efficiency.

Drip Irrigation A large amount of water is lost with overhead spray irrigation from evaporation and surface run-off but drip irrigation provides water directly to the root area. A study by Washington State University found that a drip system resulted in 50% less water use and 50% less weed growth. Although the challenges include greater up-front costs and more system maintenance, the advantages include lower water costs, less weed growth, and lower soil erosion potential. Farmers switching to drip irrigation have also seen increases in yields which can increase revenue per acre of farmland.

Variable Irrigation The University of Florida describes variable irrigation as “innovative technology that enables a center pivot irrigation system to optimize irrigation application.” While uniform irrigation may overwater or underwater some areas, a variable irrigation system (VRI) can apply irrigation at different rates to different zones of the field. Management of irrigation zones is based on data collected such as soil electrical conductivity, soil moisture, topography, and aerial photos. A control system, that includes valves on sprinklers, can turn individual sprinklers on and off and vary irrigation rates.

Monitoring Irrigation Rate After determining the optimal rate of irrigation based on data from the field, it is important to have an accurate way to measure the rate of irrigation that is being applied. Irrigation water flowmeters are one commonly used tool that will help monitor the water flow in an irrigation system. According to New Mexico State University, flow meters are excellent devices for measuring flow in an irrigation pipe, require little maintenance, and are usually accurate to within 2 percent.

Automated Irrigation Systems Automated irrigation systems can take inputs like soil moisture data and crop height and adjust irrigation rates automatically. According to the University of Florida, once an automatic soil water sensor-based irrigation system is installed it can require only weekly observation and water application automatically adjusts based on plant needs and weather conditions throughout the season. A University of California experiment showed that automated irrigation system can conserve water by reducing runoff to less than 5% of applied water.

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15 Interesting Facts About Drones in Farming

Drones are an exciting new technology that could change how farmers manage their irrigation and could eventually become as ubiquitous as tractors. Drones can collect data that can be used to determine if crops have enough water or find leaks in the irrigation system. Here are some interesting facts about the use of drones on farms.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates that farms will eventually account for an 80% share of the commercial drone market. Source

The FAA does not currently allow drones for commercial use but there is a proposal under review to change the law and farmers can currently apply for exemptions. Source

The proposed changes to FAA regulations would require commercial drone operators to obtain a certification which includes passing an exam. Source

The FAA proposed regulations would restrict flying to daytime only, require that drone operators maintain visual contact with their aircraft at all times, and limit drone altitude to 500 feet. Source

Drone data can show where crops are healthy and where crops are weak so farmers can make adjustments. Source

Thermal cameras on drones can be used to detect leaks and determine if crops are getting too much or too little water. Source

The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that farmers could see a return on investment of agriculture drones of $12 per acre for corn and $2 to $3 per acre for soybeans and wheat. Source

According to a study, corn, soybean and wheat farmers could save an estimated $1.3 billion annually by using drones to increase crop yields and reduce input costs. Source

A drone can zoom down to the square inch and even count each individual plant, which would have previously been very difficult and impractical. Source

Canada has allowed drone use in agriculture for years. Source

Drones that could be used by farmers have a wide range of prices from below $1,000 to over $30,000, depending on whether they come with sensors that measure moisture content and plant light reflectivity. Source

Sensors in drones can also evaluate drainage and track how mature crops are. Source

A drone’s software can plan a flight path to maximize coverage of a farm’s cropland as well as fly itself from takeoff to landing. Source

Crop imaging with a manned aircraft can cost $1,000 per hour, while a drone can be bought for less than $1,000. Source

Drones can be used to survey a crop weekly or daily to create a time-series animation that shows changes or issues that can be acted on. Source

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5 Useful Irrigation Tools for Saving Water

As water prices have soared for farmers in drought-stricken areas of the country, farmers are considering ways to reduce their water usage and water waste. Here are five irrigation tools that farmers can use to save on their water costs.

Drip Irrigation Systems Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient methods for delivering water to crops with minimal waste. Currently, it is used on less than 2 percent of irrigated land in the world but it can reduce water use by 30 to 70 percent. Although it has a high initial cost, there are a number of advantages including reduction of evaporation, reduction of water consumed by weeds, and irrigation to an exact root depth of crops.

Water Flowmeters Water flowmeters can accurately measure how much water is being used to irrigate so that water use can be precisely managed and unnecessary watering can be avoided. Using the flow rate from the flowmeter, the volume of water used to irrigate for a certain period of time can be calculated. Monitoring flow rate can also help farmers discover problems with the irrigation system such as costly leaks.

Soil Sensors Measuring soil properties such as moisture can help farmers determine how much water is necessary to keep crops adequately watered. According to the University of Nebraska, the ideal precision agriculture system includes a sensor in the soil that is connected to a device that analyzes the data and changes the flow rate instantaneously. Soil sensors can help farmers understand the condition of roots to suggest when it is time to irrigate or when the plant’s thirst is quenched to prevent wasting water, washing nutrients down the soil, and developing a shallow root pattern.

Irrigation Management Mobile Apps Mobile apps that can assist farmers with irrigation management are continuously improving. One example is FieldNET Mobile, which allows users to control and monitor irrigation equipment from their iPhone or Android device enabling farmers to quickly adjust their irrigation based on changing conditions. Smart Irrigation Apps, developed by a University of Georgia agricultural scientist, helps southeast farmers plan their irrigation based on how much water their crops need and data from local weather stations.

Drones The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates that farms will eventually account for 80% of the commercial drone market. Thermal cameras on drones can be used to detect leaks and determine if crops are getting too much or too little water. Although, the FAA does not currently allow drones for commercial use, there is a proposal under review to change the law and farmers can currently apply for exemptions.

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5 Growing Trends in Farm Irrigation

The United Nations estimates that farmers will need to grow 70% more food to feed the population by 2050 while available fresh water resources will continue to shrink. Faced with multiple challenges related to water availability including drought and decreasing groundwater, here are five growing trends in farm irrigation.

1. Drought-Resistant Seeds Biotech companies are using advanced genomics to create seeds for crops that need less water and are more tolerant of drought conditions. For example, drought resistant crops may have deeper roots or stomata that close sooner to hold more moisture. Although results can be mixed, it is one way farmers can deal with the costly multi-year drought in the Southwest United States and the expected increase in droughts in the future.

2. Drip Irrigation Drip irrigation allows for precise control of the application of water and fertilizer, which can greatly reduce the amount of water needed for crop irrigation. Although it can cost up to $1 million to install, many farmers are seeing the appeal of saving water which can be used to plant more crops or reduce costs. As of 2010, 43% of California farmland still used some form of gravity irrigation but this is down from 70% in 1991.

3. Measuring Water Flow Precise measurement of water usage with water flowmeters can prevent overwatering and reduce costs for farmers. As water resources become more limited and expensive it will be more important to have accurate data on how much water is being used to irrigate. Additionally, soil sensors can track soil moisture to determine how much water should be used and allow farmers to make water-saving adjustments.

4. Data Analytics New software products that crunch large amounts of data can provide farmers with important information that they previously didn’t have access to. Using data such as local weather as well as data collected from their equipment, farmers can receive recommendations and better understand how much water is needed to optimize production while minimizing water waste.

5. Drilling More Wells Farmers are relying more on groundwater sources for irrigation and as the water table falls due to unsustainable levels of pumping, farmers need deeper wells to continue tapping local groundwater sources. In California’s Central Valley the drilling contractors are so busy that the waiting time can be six months to install a new well at a cost of around $100,000. Some farmers are even buying their own drilling equipment to drill their own wells.

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16 Interesting U.S. Farm Water Facts

Farm irrigation is one of the largest consumers of freshwater in the United States, dwarfing household use. In 2005, irrigation accounted for over 32 times more freshwater withdrawals than domestic use (128 billion gallons per day versus 4 billion gallons per day). Here are 16 interesting facts about water use by America’s farms.

Agriculture accounts for approximately 80 percent of the United States’ consumptive water use and over 90 percent in many Western States. Source

Since 1950, irrigation has represented about 65 percent of total withdrawals, excluding those for thermoelectric power. Source

Surface water withdrawals for irrigation in the United States has decreased from 77 percent of the total in 1950 to 59 percent in 2005 (due to increased groundwater use). Source

In 2013, there were 229,237 farms in the United States with 55.3 million irrigated acres. Source

In California, almond trees cover nearly 1 million acres and consume 1.07 trillion gallons of water per year. Source

In an average year California irrigates 9.6 million acres with about 34 million acre-feet of water. Source

More than 90% of pasture and cropland in the 256,000-square-mile Colorado River Basin requires irrigation. Source

Irrigated agriculture currently consumes more than 70% of the water supply within the Colorado River basin. Source

Four states: California, Idaho, Colorado, and Montana combined accounted for 49 percent of the total irrigation withdrawals (2005). Source

More than 90 percent of the groundwater pumped from the Ogallala, the nation’s largest aquifer underlying some 250,000 square miles stretching from Texas to South Dakota, is used for agricultural irrigation. Source

80% of Washington water withdrawals are for agriculture (1.8 million irrigated acres). Source

43 percent of California farmland in 2010 used some form of gravity irrigation such as flood irrigation rather than more efficient methods like drip irrigation. Source

Overall, 42% of California agriculture uses drip irrigation, 43% flood irrigation and 15% sprinklers. Source

About half the 60 million acres of irrigated land in the United States use flood irrigation. Source

California produces two-thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts and farmers sold almost $50 billion of food in 2013. Source

Over 400,000 acres in California, about 6 percent of cropland, was left unused because of the drought in 2014. Source

If you have an interesting farm water fact, please share it in the comments below.

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