The WiseConn drop control method gives growers remote access to irrigation systems more effectively to allow total monitoring
WiseConn is now offering its water monitoring system here and has already collected the winning trophy for Best in Water, Aquaculture & Fisheries at the Australian Agritech awards for 2024.
The company won the award for its cloud-based irrigation system that helps to overcome many issues encounted by large-scale farm operations associated with applying the correct water levels to crops.
WiseConn is one of the leading multinational providers of irrigation monitoring, control, and automation solutions that are targeted predominantly at permanent and rotational horticulture.
WiseConn is also expected to gain further recognition following its upcoming release of X1, M1, C1 and V1 nodes into the AU and NZ market.
These nodes continuously gather data within a network and synchronise with the Cloud to monitor a wide array of paddock sensors and other third-party inputs to operate and control irrigation systems more effectively.
The system uses real-time data from a series of well-placed sensors to optimise the available water resources and ensure its usage goes towards improving crop yields and reducing overall costs.
This innovative approach by WiseConn not only conserves water but also supports sustainable farming practices, improving both environmental and economic outcomes.
Based around an economical to run web platform, the Wiseconn system gathers vital information for real-time agricultural management with specific tools included for analysing the climate, irrigation, and soil.
Remote access to irrigation systems is achieved through an internet connection via the DropControl program. Then with the use of a mobile or computer, DropControl allows you to schedule irrigation events, set alerts and review historical data to initiate improvements.
This information gathered is of big benefit to growers and agronomists as it allows them to make timely decisions more confidently and reliably.
The WiseConn Support team monitors and ensures the optimal functioning of all devices, which in turn allows the agronomist to concentrate exclusively on information management and obtaining better production results.
The equipment installed in the paddock provides the network link that allows control of different sensors and actuators for pumps and valves, all in real-time.
A further benefit of the WiseConn system is the nodes are made from secure and robust hardware, especially suited for harsh outdoor agricultural conditions.
A major plus for WiseConn’s drop control automation is its easy adaptation into all facets of ground crop and tree-growing farm operations.
WiseConn will gain further recognition following its upcoming release of X1, M1, C1 and V1 nodes into the AU and NZ markets
Water use challenge
WiseConn’s DropControl is the perfect fit for large-scale crop operations as harvest results can improve drastically through careful and precise monitoring of soil moisture.
Once a network has been established to capture data from low-power sensors and then transmit that back to the grower’s control station, a complete picture of any intervention required can be implemented.
Once growers have control of their water consumption it will drastically improve results by preventing crop losses through under- or over-watering.
Even when cropping across hundreds of hectares, WiseConn’s DropControl can monitor every paddock and provide facts and data to avoid irrigating crops based solely on judgment.
WiseConn’s DropControl avoids unnecessary waste of precious water resources and with the use of sensors brings an added level of efficiency to irrigation management.
Technical attributes
DropControl consists of a wireless network for monitoring and control as well as a centralised web application.
The network nodes are connected to sensors and actuators for monitoring weather conditions, soil moisture, and historical irrigation data, and to activate, deactivate, and calibrate the irrigation system’s pumps, valves, and other components.
The nodes communicate with one another to send information to the central DropControl Gateway, which connects the network with a web server.
With DropControl, farmers can determine and control the optimal volume, frequency, and application rate of irrigation water in a planned, efficient manner – all based on the latest soil moisture, weather conditions, and forecasts.
The company has already deployed WiseConn control units on more than 2500 farms with Installations in more than 15 countries working through more than 45 certified distributors and service providers.
Data is captured every 15 minutes from every local sensor, typically four wireless sensors per node. Some sites might have up to 60 nodes each, all communicating in peer-to-peer mode over the mesh topology.
This configuration is ideal for remote distributed control. Each node can signal hydraulic states such as pumps on/off and levels that are crucial for effective irrigation.
Ultimately, the aim of WiseConn is a solution where customers achieve better yields, improving the quality of the crops they grow, and saving up to 30% on their water consumption.
Contact your local WiseConn distributor on +61 (0) 457 502 574, or email direct to: info@wiseconn.com.au See more on the Wiseconn website on this link.
