SoilGARD™
G1
Automated Intelligent Irrigation
The picoPOLE SoilGARD is unique in its functionality and design.
In its current form, it is designed to regulate the quantity of
water applied to soil by determining the actual soil moisture.
The soilGARD performs this task by monitoring the soil moisture,
and applying the correct amount of water to the plant or crop.
Technology that makes sense
The soilGARD uses complex technology to ensure that irrigation
takes place only when it is required, and in the correct quantities.
This is achieved through an advanced soil moisture sensor that measures
the quantity of moisture, the actual moisture contents and also
takes into account soil type.
This automation product therefore confers many advantages over
traditional irrigation methods, such as improved crop yield, water
conservation and reduced ground water contamination. For example,
the soilGARD is capable of controlled application of water and fertilizer,
to monitored soil, ensuring the reduction of leaching past the root
zone.
Useful Features
The soilGARD has many features to ensure simple and smooth operation
for the end user.
These include:
- A large and easy
to read LCD display
- Simple operation
with straightforward menus
- Built in data logger,
with user defined soil moisture logging intervals
- Running totals of
water usage
- Directly drives a
12V, 2/3 wire, latching solenoid valve
- Auxiliary output
- Capable of direct
connection to ESI Gro-point or similar probe
- Micropower consumption
- Weather resistant
Small, Integrated and Comprehensive
The picoPOLE soilGARD is a powerful unit capable of intelligent
irrigation through soil moisture monitoring. The soilGARD is also
an inexpensive unit that provides the full range of functionality
of much more expensive systems.
With its low cost, low maintenance and intelligent operation, the
picoPOLE is designed to seamlessly integrate into agricultural operations,
ensuring superior results and maximising efficiency.
SoilGARD™
G3
Whereas the SoilGARD G1 can only operate a single Gro-point probe,
the G3 is capable of controlling and logging up to three Gro-point
soil moisture probes. The added expansion options allows for increased
accuracy in readings, or for measurements to be taken in a larger
area.
SoilGARD™
W3
This version of the soilGARD has the ability to log and control
three Watermark or Gypsum block soil moisture probes, with an optional
connection to temperature or salinity (EC) probes. This enhances
the customisability of the unit for many different uses.
SoilGARD™
T3
The SoilGARD T3 has the adaptability to connect to, log and control
three Tensiometer soil moisture probes. Tensiometer probes measure
matric potential - a measure of how tightly water is held under
tension in an unsaturated environment. Grouping tensiometers at
different depths is a sure way to determine water gradients. It
is the gradient in total water potential that controls the direction
of water movement. Knowing this direction as a function of time
is necessary to determine seasonal ground water infiltration. The
SoilGARD T3 therefore allows for highly accurate measurements of
soil moisture to be taken - all in one small, self contained, low
cost unit.
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