Validation of Landscape Irrigation Reduction with Soil Moisture Sensor Irrigation Controllers

The objective of this project was to determine if automatic residential irrigation systems with soil moisture sensor irrigation controllers could reduce irrigation water application while maintaining acceptable turfgrass quality as successfully in homes as in plot studies. Research was conducted on-site at cooperating homes (n=58) in southwest Florida. Experimental treatments were (1) automatic timer with integration of bypass soil moisture sensor control system, (2) automatic timer with rain sensor and educational materials, (3) automatic timer with rain sensor, and (4) automatic timer only (typical for the region). Irrigation application, frequency, quarterly turf quality ratings, and weather data were collected over 26 months. Homes with soil moisture sensor irrigation controllers bypassed unneeded events during both rainy and dry periods, averaging 2 irrigation events per month; all other treatments averaged 4.5–6 events per month. Reduction in number of irrigation events by soil moisture sensor control systems resulted in significant savings, with 65% cumulative reduction compared to homes with typical timer irrigation control. Observed on-site savings were comparable to previous plot research, indicating that plot savings could be scaled up so long as soil moisture control systems are installed and set properly.