Radio irrigation system
Radio irrigation system
A NETWORK of small VHF radio repeater stations to relay information from in-field sensors to trigger automatic office-based irrigation control units will be established across the main arable areas next year.
Information sent back will provide round-the-clock monitoring of conditions and control watering for drip, trickle and spray-line systems.
"Potatoes, carrots, and onions are often too wet or too dry for optimum performance," says David Martin of Plantsystems, the Cambs-based company behind the radio network.
Small transmitter
A small transmitter with a range of 12 miles is mounted on the in-field sensor. If information has to be sent further it is relayed down a chain of strategically sited repeater stations.
Regular operational status reports can be sent as text messages to the farmers mobile phone, allowing the automatic system to be overridden. Information can also be posted on a password-accessed web-site making available anywhere in the world.
"We currently operate a network of 100 stations, mainly linked to in-field weather stations for potato blight control. But we plan to in-fill with 100 more to provide a comprehensive data service. Next year we will be evaluating the automatic irrigation system in potatoes, carrots and onions, and will launching the new service in 2003," Mr Martin says. *
Onion prospects
A sharp drop in the area of onions grown since 1999, low yields from the late wet 2001 season and a lack of quality onions on the Continent have boosted prices this winter. "In 1999 9500ha produced 400,000t. This year 8400ha gave just 321,000t, 50,000t short of the amount needed to meet domestic demand," says David OConnor. "The area for 2002 should be between 8500 and 8700ha to balance the books."