Smart controllers are irrigation clocks that automatically adjust irrigation run times in response to environmental changes.
Smart controllers reduce outdoor water use by an average of 15 to 30 percent and often considerably more. They also reduce over watering, which can cause fungal disease and insect problems. They work by scheduling watering based on the amount and intensity of rainfall. They also take factors such as soil type, the slope of your lawn, plant type and sun exposure are utilized to optimize your watering schedule to enhance your landscape while saving water and reducing runoff.
Moisture sensors can be hooked up to your existing systems (making them smart controllers). Garden View’s opinion is that in most cases moisture sensors are even more efficient than smart controllers (without the sensors) because they are measuring the moisture at the root zone where the water is needed.
It is important to understand that if your existing irrigation system is inefficient the benefits of Smart Controllers is diminished dramatically. It is important to have the valves segregated and plumbed to be watering plants of similar needs and conditions all on one valve and lawns on another valve and so on. (Click Here to see our article on Segregating Valves)
It is also important that the sprinkler heads water with irrigation uniformity, that you have somewhat equal precipitation rates.