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Improvements in sensor technology coupled with advances in knowledge about plant physiology have made it feasible to use real-time substrate volumetric water content sensors to accurately determine irrigation timing and application rates in soilless substrates in greenhouse and container production environments. Sensor-based irrigation uses up-front investments in equipment and system calibration in return for subsequent reductions in irrigation water use and associated costs of energy and labor, spending on fertilizer, and disease losses. It can also accelerate production time. We present formulas for assessing profitability when benefits and costs are separated in time and apply those formulas using data from an experiment on production of gardenia [Gardenia augusta ‘MADGA 1’ (Heaven Scent™)]. Sensor-controlled irrigation cuts production time and crop losses by more than half. Annualized profit under the wireless sensor system was over 1.5 more than under the nursery’s standard practice, with the bulk of the increase in profit due to the reduction in production time. These results indicate that controlling irrigation using wireless sensor systems is likely to increase profitability substantially, even if efficiency gains are not as high as those achieved under experimental conditions.
Irrigation management systems that use wireless transmission of substrate moisture data are beginning to become commercially available for ornamental growers, particularly for use in soilless substrates. These systems allow growers to precisely monitor and control irrigation in real time and are being shown to save time and other resources. On-farm evaluations indicate that these systems have potential benefits extending beyond reductions in water use and associated irrigation inputs: Some growing systems experience increases in plant growth rates, with corresponding reductions in production time, whereas some experience reductions in disease pressure and corresponding plant losses. We asked ornamental growers across the nation what they see as potential benefits and limitations of these systems as a means of assessing the likely state of acceptance of this technology at the time of its initial introduction. Grower perceptions were overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of respondents agreeing that wireless sensor systems can increase irrigation efficiency, improve product quality, reduce product losses, reduce irrigation management costs, reduce disease prevalence, increase ability to manage growth, reduce irrigation management costs, and reduce monitoring costs. System cost and reliability were major concerns. Grower perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of irrigation sensor networks varied across size and type of operation as well as geographically and by the type of water source used. Making wireless sensor systems affordable and robust will likely be critical determinants of the speed and reach of adoption of these technologies.