AU2017204615A1 - Irrigation system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an irrigation system 10 configured to manage irrigation of a portion of soil 18. The system 10 typically comprises at least one soil moisture probe 20 which is configured to sense a moisture gradient in the portion of soil 18, and a water supply regulator 14 and flow meter 16 for operatively regulating the irrigation of the soil portion 18. The system 10 also generally comprises a controller 22 which is arranged in signal communication with the soil moisture probe 20 and the water supply regulator 14 and meter 16. The controller 22 includes some manner of non transitory memory arrangement 24 for operatively storing an irrigation schema therein. The controller 22 is configured responsive to, for the soil portion 18, (i) weather information, (ii) soil characteristics, (iii) an irrigation history, (iv) nutrient application information, and (v) satellite spectral reflectance data, wherein the controller 22 periodically polls aspects (i) to (v) and compares said polling to the sensed moisture gradient to compile the irrigation schema. The controller 22 is configured to facilitate irrigation of the soil portion in accordance with the irrigation schema, so that ongoing compilation of the irrigation schema forms a predictive irrigation model whereby the soil moisture probe is unnecessary to maintain desired irrigation of the soil portion 16. co 0o t; 00 c~co AM' CN. c'.oU

Description

IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to the field of irrigation, in general, and more specifically to an irrigation system and an associated irrigation method.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] In general, irrigation is the method in which water is supplied to plants at regular intervals for agriculture. It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall. Irrigation has been a central feature of agriculture for over 5, 000 years and is the product of many cultures. Historically, it was the basis for economies and societies across the globe.

[0004] An associated practice is that of fertigation, which involves the injection of fertilizers, soil amendments, and other water-soluble products into an irrigation system to serve as nutrients for plant growth.

[0005] The term evapotranspiration (ET) is used in the irrigation field to quantify how much water has been lost from soil through direct evaporation and transpiration by plants. An ET value is calculated using factors such as temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and humidity. A change in one or more of these parameters can have a direct effect on the ET value used to determine when and how much to irrigate.

[0006] ET values are used in conjunction with other factors to determine how much water is required to replenish the water lost from soil. Factors that affect determination of the amount of water include: (1) type of vegetation; (2) soil type; (3) root depth; (4) topography; (5) microclimate; and (6) density of vegetation. These factors are explained further below.

[0007] For a particular type of vegetation, such as cool- season grass, the ET is used to calculate the required amount of water that has to be spread over the vegetation to replace the moisture lost by the natural and ongoing process of evaporation and transpiration. For example, various plants require different amounts of moisture in the soil to sustain an optimal appearance and healthy growth environment. Plants that are drought-tolerant require less water than a baseline crop, such as grass, while lush plant types require more water.

[0008] The ability of soil to absorb and retain applied water is an important consideration in determining how much and how often to water. Sandy soils do not retain water well, so, to maintain soil moisture, require a higher frequency of watering but at lower rates or water will percolate beyond the root zone and be wasted. On the other hand, clay soils are good at retaining water, meaning water can be applied less frequently. In applying water, the infiltration rate also needs to be taken into account to avoid water run-off. Sandy soils have a high absorption rate as compared to clay soils.

[0009] The root zone depth of plants to be watered must also be taken into account. If too much water is applied, the water will percolate beyond the root zone and be wasted. Root zone depth also affects the frequency of watering. A plant with a deep root zone needs less frequent but longer watering times. A plant with a shallow root zone needs more frequent but shorter watering times.

[0010] Topography is an important consideration in watering, since a steep slope will have a higher amount of run-off than a shallow slope. Steeper slopes typically require multiple cycles with short watering times and wait times between cycles to allow penetration of the applied water into the soil.

[0011] Microclimate takes into account existing conditions immediately surrounding the area that is to be watered. These conditions can include fully or partially shaded areas, parking lot areas, park areas with trees, etc. Shaded areas, for example, do not require as much water as sunlit areas .

[0012] Density of the vegetation that is to be watered is also used in determining the amount of water to be applied.

As density of vegetation increases, more water will transpire from the leaf area, requiring an increase in the amount of water needed.

[0013] In light of the above considerations, the Applicant has identified a growing disparity between water supply and demand, particularly in public spaces, such as parks. As climates becomes hotter and drier, the demand for water increases, which is further exacerbated by an increase in urban populations.

[0014] Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a system for the optimising of water use and the associated management of water resources for irrigation and fertigation purposes. A variety of irrigation systems are known in the art. However, these systems do not provide a holistic approach to water management in the fields of irrigation and fertigation.

[0015] In light of the known prior art, the Applicant has identified a need for a more elegant and efficient irrigation system and method. As such, the present invention seeks to propose possible solutions, at least in part, in amelioration of some of the known shortcomings in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an irrigation system comprising: at least one soil moisture probe configured to sense a moisture gradient in a portion of soil; a water supply regulator and flow meter operatively regulating irrigation of the soil portion; a controller arranged in signal communication with the soil moisture probe and the water supply regulator and meter, the controller having a non-transitory memory arrangement for operatively storing an irrigation schema therein, said controller configured responsive to, for the soil portion: (i) weather information, (ii) soil characteristics, (iii) an irrigation history, (iv) nutrient application information, and (v) satellite spectral reflectance data, wherein the controller periodically polls aspects (i) to (v) and compares said polling to the sensed moisture gradient to compile the irrigation schema, the controller configured to facilitate irrigation of the soil portion in accordance with the irrigation schema, so that ongoing compilation of the irrigation schema forms a predictive irrigation model whereby the soil moisture probe is unnecessary to maintain desired irrigation of the soil portion.

[0017] Typically, the soil moisture probe is configured to sense the moisture gradient from an upper soil surface down to a root zone of a plant growing in the soil portion.

[0018] Typically, the soil moisture probe is configured to sense the moisture gradient from an upper soil surface down to below a root zone of a plant growing in the soil portion.

[0019] Typically, the soil moisture probe is wirelessly arranged in signal communication with the controller.

[0020] It is to be appreciated that the system may comprise a plurality of soil moisture probes, which typically enables compilation of the predictive irrigation model for a large soil portion area.

[0021] Typically, the water supply regulator and flow meter comprise a solenoid valve with an inline fluid flow meter.

[0022] Typically, the water supply regulator and flow meter are wirelessly arranged in signal communication with the controller.

[0023] Typically, the controller comprises any central processing unit having electronic circuitry configured to perform basic arithmetic, logical, control and/or input/output (I/O) operations as specified by a set of instructions .

[0024] Typically, the controller comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0025] Typically, the weather information comprises current and forecast weather.

[0026] Typically, the current weather information is obtained from an onsite weather station.

[0027] Typically, the forecast weather information is obtained from a weather bureau database, or the like.

[0028] Typically, the weather information comprises historic weather information for a corresponding past time.

[0029] Typically, the weather information includes rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, evapotranspiration and solar radiation.

[0030] Typically, the soil characteristics are selected from a group consisting of soil portion latitude, soil type, soil moisture holding capacity, soil saturation point, soil field capacity, permanent wilting point, soil working depth and soil drainage coefficient.

[0031] Typically, the irrigation history includes information on the amount of water previously used for irrigation of the soil portion at different times, as measured by the flow meter.

[0032] Typically, the irrigation history includes information relating to irrigation losses of the system.

[0033] Typically, the nutrient application information includes types and quantities of fertilizers and/or nutrients applied to the soil over time.

[0034] Typically, the nutrient application information includes a plant growth response to any fertilizers and/or nutrients applied to the soil over time.

[0035] Typically, the satellite spectral reflectance data includes information relating to plant growth and/or health.

[0036] Typically, the satellite spectral reflectance data is used to calculate a spectral reflectance index, for example the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI).

[0037] Typically, the controller periodically polls the weather information, the soil characteristics, the irrigation history, the nutrient application information, and/or the satellite spectral reflectance data by accessing a suitable online database.

[0038] Typically, the controller periodically polls the weather information, the soil characteristics, the irrigation history, the nutrient application information, and/or the satellite spectral reflectance data by accessing the compiled irrigation schema in the memory arrangement.

[0039] Typically, the controller is configured to display the compiled irrigation schema as a geographical map overlay, showing actual versus budgeted water usage.

[0040] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an irrigation method comprising the steps of: providing at least one soil moisture probe configured to sense a moisture gradient in a portion of soil; configuring a water supply regulator and flow meter to operatively regulate irrigation of the soil portion; arranging a controller in signal communication with the soil moisture probe and the water supply regulator and meter, the controller having a non-transitory memory arrangement for operatively storing an irrigation schema therein, said controller configured responsive to, for the soil portion, (i) weather information, (ii) soil characteristics, (iii) an irrigation history, (iv) nutrient application information, (v) and satellite spectral reflectance data; and periodically polling, by the controller, aspects (i) to (v) and comparing said polling to the sensed moisture gradient to compile the irrigation schema, the controller configured to facilitate irrigation of the soil portion in accordance with the irrigation schema, so that ongoing compilation of the irrigation schema forms a predictive irrigation model whereby the soil moisture probe is unnecessary to maintain desired irrigation of the soil portion.

[0041] Typically, the step of providing the soil moisture probe includes configuring the probe to sense the moisture gradient from an upper soil surface down to a root zone of a plant growing in the soil portion.

[0042] Typically, the step of providing the soil moisture probe includes configuring the probe to sense the moisture gradient from an upper soil surface down to below a root zone of a plant growing in the soil portion.

[0043] Typically, the step of providing the soil moisture probe includes arranging the probe in wireless signal communication with the controller.

[0044] Typically, the step of configuring the water supply regulator and flow meter includes wirelessly arranging the regulator and flow meter in signal communication with the controller.

[0045] Typically, the weather information comprises current and forecast weather.

[0046] Typically, the current weather information is obtained from an onsite weather station.

[0047] Typically, the forecast weather information is obtained from a weather bureau database, or the like.

[0048] Typically, the weather information comprises historic weather information for a corresponding past time.

[0049] Typically, the weather information is selected from a group consisting of rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, evapotranspiration and solar radiation.

[0050] Typically, the soil characteristics are selected from a group consisting of soil portion latitude, soil type, soil moisture holding capacity, soil saturation point, soil field capacity, permanent wilting point, soil working depth and soil drainage coefficient.

[0051] Typically, the irrigation history includes information on the amount of water previously used for irrigation of the soil portion at different times, as measured by the flow meter.

[0052] Typically, the irrigation history includes information relating to irrigation losses of the system.

[0053] Typically, the nutrient application information includes types and quantities of fertilizers and/or nutrients applied to the soil over time.

[0054] Typically, the nutrient application information includes a plant growth response to any fertilizers and/or nutrients applied to the soil over time.

[0055] Typically, the satellite spectral reflectance data includes information relating to plant growth and/or health.

[0056] Typically, the satellite spectral reflectance data is used to calculate a spectral reflectance index, for example the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI).

[0057] Typically, the step of polling the weather information, the soil characteristics, the irrigation history, the nutrient application information, and/or the satellite spectral reflectance data incudes the controller accessing a suitable online database.

[0058] Typically, the step of polling the weather information, the soil characteristics, the irrigation history, the nutrient application information, and/or the satellite spectral reflectance data includes the controller accessing the compiled irrigation schema in the memory arrangement.

[0059] Typically, the method includes the step of displaying, by the controller, the compiled irrigation schema as a geographical map overlay, showing actual versus budgeted water usage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic overview representation of an example of an irrigation system in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of an example processing system that can be utilised to embody or give effect to a particular embodiment of the controller of the irrigation system; and

Figure 3 illustrates an example network infrastructure that can be utilised to embody or give effect to a particular embodiment of a communications network whereby components of the irrigation system of Figure 2 communicates or exchanges information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

[0061] With reference now to Figure 1, there is shown one example of an irrigation system 10. The system 10 is generally configured to manage irrigation of a portion of soil 18. It is to be appreciated that this irrigation is typically facilitated by means of sprinklers 40, sprayers, or similar water dispersal means. Similarly, the area of the soil portion 18 can vary depending on requirements. For example, in one embodiment the soil portion 18 might be representative of a small public park, whereas another embodiment might have the soil portion 18 as a large tract of agricultural land.

[0062] The system 10 typically comprises at least one soil moisture probe 20 which is configured to sense a moisture gradient in the portion of soil 18. However, it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments the system 10 can comprise a plurality of soil moisture probes, which may be advantageous for larger soil portion areas.

[0063] Typically, the soil moisture probe 20 is configured to sense the moisture gradient from an upper soil surface down to and/or even below a root zone of a plant growing in the soil portion 18. The soil moisture probe 20 is typically wirelessly arranged in signal communication with an associated controller 22 by means of a suitable telemetry arrangement 21, as shown.

[0064] The system 10 also includes a water supply regulator 14 and flow meter 16 for operatively regulating the irrigation of the soil portion 18, i.e. the regulator 14 controls the flow of water (with or without nutrients for fertigation purposes) from the water source 12 to the sprinklers 40. In this example, the water supply regulator 14 and flow meter 16 comprise a solenoid valve 15 with an inline fluid flow meter 16, as shown. In one example, the water supply regulator and flow meter can also be wirelessly arranged in signal communication with the controller 22.

[0065] The system also generally comprises a controller 22 which is arranged in signal communication with the soil moisture probe 20 and the water supply regulator 14 and meter 16. The controller 22 includes some manner of non-transitory memory arrangement 24 for operatively storing an irrigation schema therein. In the current example, the controller 22 comprises a control system 22.1 coupled with an online cloud-based database 24 for performing certain functions described in more detail below, but other embodiments are not excluded.

[0066] Typically, the controller 22 is configured to be responsive to: (i) weather information, (ii) soil characteristics, (iii) an irrigation history, (iv) nutrient application information, and (v) satellite spectral reflectance data. for the particular soil portion 18. In the current example, some of these aspects (i) to (v) are accessible and/or retrievable via a suitable communications network 200 (described in more detail below), or via a suitable terminal 32, which forms one example of a processing system 100, also described in more detail below.

[0067] When in use, the controller 22 periodically polls aspects (i) to (v) , obtainable from whatever source, and compares results from such polling to the sensed moisture gradient to compile an irrigation schema. The polling may include periodically accessing a data source, an online database, polling a flow meter of the soil probe 20, and/or the like.

[0068] The controller 22 further facilitates irrigation of the soil portion 18 in accordance with this irrigation schema, so that over time, the ongoing compilation of the irrigation schema by the controller 22 forms a predictive irrigation model whereby the soil moisture probe 20 becomes unnecessary to maintain desired irrigation of the soil portion 18.

[0069] In other words, the controller 22 is able to build the predictive irrigation model accurately, as the probe 20 provides a ground truth against which an impact of all the various inputs (i) to (v) on the irrigation of the soil portion 18 can be empirically compared. After the predictive irrigation model has been compiled to a desired level of accuracy, this model can be applied to similar soil portions without having to rebuild the irrigation schema for that particular soil portion from scratch.

[0070] For example, the system 10 can be used to compile an accurate irrigation model for a portion of a larger park or agricultural field. The model can then be applied to similar soil portions, i.e. the overall park or entire agricultural field, or the like.

[0071] As will be understood by the skilled addressee, the controller 22 can comprise any suitable central processing unit having electronic circuitry configured to perform basic arithmetic, logical, control and/or input/output (I/O) operations as specified by a set of instructions. In one example, the control system 22.1 comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) , or the like. Examples of a processing system 100 which can generally form various examples of the controller 22 are given in more detail below.

[0072] In one example, the controller 22 directly interfaces with the regulator 14 in order to facilitate irrigation of the soil portion 18. In a further example, the controller 22 might output the irrigation schema as a separate output which serves as input to the regulator 14. For example, the controller 22 may output the irrigation schema but is not configured to directly control the regulator 14. In such an example, the irrigation schema may require to be manually input or programmed into the regulator 14, or the like.

[0073] With regard to the various aspects (i) to (v), the weather information generally comprises current and forecast weather. In one example, the current weather information is obtained from an onsite weather station 28. Similarly, the forecast weather information is typically obtained from a weather bureau database 26, or the like. In addition, the weather information may also comprise historic weather information for a corresponding earlier time for the soil portion 18. As such, the weather information is generally selected from a group consisting of rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, evapotranspiration and solar radiation .

[0074] Similarly, the soil characteristics are generally selected from a group consisting of soil portion latitude, soil type, soil moisture holding capacity, soil saturation point, soil field capacity, permanent wilting point, soil working depth and soil drainage coefficient. The soil portion latitude generally indicates climatic conditions, being the composite or generally prevailing weather conditions of a geographic region, including temperature, air pressure, humidity, precipitation, sunshine, cloudiness, and winds, throughout the year, averaged over a series of years .

[0075] Similarly, the irrigation history generally includes information on the amount of water previously used for irrigation of the soil portion at different times, as measured by the flow meter. Typically, the irrigation history includes information relating to irrigation losses of the system.

[0076] In addition, the nutrient application information generally includes types and quantities of fertilizers and/or nutrients applied to the soil over time. Typically, the nutrient application or related fertigation information may include a plant growth response to any fertilizers and/or nutrients applied to the soil over time.

[0077] In the current example, aspects such as the soil characteristics, some of the irrigation history, and/or the nutrient application information can be input by an inspector 34. For example, the inspector 34 may have a suitable handheld terminal 32 for inputting relevant information, as and when needed. Similarly, the terminal 32 can also be used to provide some of the relevant information. The system 10 generally relies on a suitable communications network 200, described in more detail below, between the terminals and/or databases 22.1, 24, 32 and 36.

[0078] The satellite spectral reflectance data is generally provided by means of a suitable satellite 30 and includes information relating to plant growth and/or health. Typically, the satellite spectral reflectance data includes, or may be used to calculate, a Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), or the like.

[0079] As mentioned above, the controller 22 generally periodically polls the weather information, the soil characteristics, the irrigation history, the nutrient application information, and/or the satellite spectral reflectance data by accessing a suitable online database or by accessing the compiled irrigation schema in the memory arrangement 24.

[0080] The controller 22 is generally further configured to display the compiled irrigation schema as a geographical map overlay, showing actual versus budgeted water usage. The controller 22 can also be used to display any of the information of any of aspects (i) to (v) in various formats, depending on requirements.

[0081] It is to be appreciated that the present invention also provides for an associated irrigation method generally comprising the steps of: providing the soil moisture probe 20 configured to sense a moisture gradient in the portion of soil 18; configuring the water supply regulator 14 and flow meter 16 to operatively regulate irrigation of the soil portion 18; arranging the controller in signal communication with the soil moisture probe 20 and the water supply regulator 14 and meter 16, the controller 22 having the non-transitory memory arrangement 24 for operatively storing the irrigation schema therein, said controller configured responsive to, for the soil portion 18, (i) weather information, (ii) soil characteristics, (iii) an irrigation history, (iv) nutrient application information, (v) and satellite spectral reflectance data; and periodically polling, by the controller 22, aspects (i) to (v) and comparing said polling to the sensed moisture gradient to compile the irrigation schema, and facilitating irrigation of the soil portion 18 in accordance with the irrigation schema, so that ongoing compilation of the irrigation schema forms a predictive irrigation model whereby the soil moisture probe 20 is unnecessary to maintain desired irrigation of the soil portion.

[0082] In one example, it is envisaged that the associated method will be a computer-implemented method, due to the involvement of information exchange as a physical phenomenon, amongst other things. It is to be appreciated that, with this computer implemented method, any reference herein to "means" specifically includes any one or more of a computer program product for use in a local or dispersed computing system, a computer readable modulated carrier signal for interpretation by a local or dispersed computing system, or a computer readable medium of instructions for enabling a local or dispersed computing system to provide such "means" within the context of the description. In addition, such "means" may further expressly comprise any of the hardware and/or software components, independently or in combination, provided for in the description below, as will be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0083] In general, in a networked information or data communications system, a user has access to one or more terminals which are capable of requesting and/or receiving information or data from local or remote information sources. In such a communications system, a terminal may be a type of processing system, computer or computerised device, personal computer (PC), mobile, cellular or satellite telephone, mobile data terminal, portable computer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), pager, thin client, or any other similar type of digital electronic device .

[0084] The capability of such a terminal to request and/or receive information or data can be provided by software, hardware and/or firmware. A terminal may include or be associated with other devices, for example a local data storage device such as a hard disk drive or solid state drive .

[0085] An information source can include a server, or any type of terminal, that may be associated with one or more storage devices that are able to store information or data, for example in one or more databases residing on a storage device. The exchange of information (i.e., the request and/or receipt of information or data) between a terminal and an information source, or other terminal(s), is facilitated by a communication means. The communication means can be realised by physical cables, for example a metallic cable such as a telephone line, semi-conducting cables, electromagnetic signals, for example radio-frequency signals or infra-red signals, optical fibre cables, satellite links or any other such medium or combination thereof connected to a network infrastructure.

[0086] The network infrastructure can include devices such as a telephone switch, base station, bridge, router, or any other such specialised network component, which facilitates the connection between a terminal and an information source. Collectively, an interconnected group of terminals, communication means, infrastructure and information sources is referred to as a network.

[0087] The network itself may take a variety of forms. For example, it may be a computer network, telecommunications network, data communications network, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), wireless network, Internetwork, Intranetwork, the Internet and developments thereof, transient or temporary networks, combinations of the above or any other type of network providing for communication between computerised, electronic or digital devices.

[0088] More than one distinct network can be provided, for example a private and a public network. A network as referenced in this specification should be taken to include any type of terminal or other similar type of electronic device, or part thereof, which is rendered such that it is capable of communicating with at least one other terminal.

[0089] A particular embodiment of the controller 22, terminal 32, and/or handheld device 36 of the present invention can be realised using a processing system 100, an example of which is shown in Figure 2. In particular, the processing system 100 generally includes at least one processor 102, or processing unit or plurality of processors, memory 104, at least one input device 106 and at least one output device 108, coupled together via a bus or group of buses 110.

[0090] In certain embodiments, input device 106 and output device 108 could be the same device, e.g. a touchscreen. An interface 112 can also be provided for coupling the processing system 100 to one or more peripheral devices, for example interface 112 could be a PCI card or PC card. At least one storage device 114 which houses at least one database 116 can also be provided. The memory 104 can be any form of memory device, for example, volatile or nonvolatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. The processor 102 could include more than one distinct processing device, for example to handle different functions within the processing system 100.

[0091] Input device 106 receives input data 118 and can include, for example, a keyboard, a pointer device such as a pen-like device or a mouse, audio receiving device for voice controlled activation such as a microphone, data receiver or antenna such as a modem or wireless data adaptor, data acquisition card, a touchscreen for receiving tactile input, etc. Input data 118 could come from different sources, for example keyboard instructions in conjunction with data received via a network. Output device 108 produces or generates output data 120 and can include, for example, a display device or monitor in which case output data 120 is visual, a printer in which case output data 120 is printed, a port for example a USB port, a peripheral component adaptor, a data transmitter or antenna such as a modem or wireless network adaptor, etc. Output data 120 could be distinct and derived from different output devices, for example a visual display on a monitor in conjunction with data transmitted to a network.

[0092] A user could view data output, or an interpretation of the data output, on, for example, a monitor or using a printer. The storage device 114 can be any form of data or information storage means, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc.

[0093] In use, the processing system 100 is adapted to allow data or information to be stored in and/or retrieved from, via wired or wireless communication means, the at least one database 116. The interface 112 may allow wired and/or wireless communication between the processing unit 102 and peripheral components that may serve a specialised purpose. The processor 102 receives instructions as input data 118 via input device 106 and can display processed results or other output to a user by utilising output device 108. More than one input device 106 and/or output device 108 can be provided. It should be appreciated that the processing system 100 may be any form of terminal, server, specialised hardware, or the like.

[0094] In addition, the processing system 100 representative of the controller 22 is generally part of a networked communications system 200, as shown in Figure 3. Processing system 100 could connect to network 202, for example the Internet or a WAN. Input data 118 and output data 120 could be communicated to other devices via network 202. Other terminals, for example, thin client 204, further processing systems 206 and 208, notebook computer 210, mainframe computer 212, PDA 214, pen-based computer 216, server 218, etc., can be connected to network 202. A large variety of other types of terminals or configurations could be utilised.

[0095] The transfer of information and/or data over network 202 can be achieved using wired communications means 220 or wireless communications means 222. Server 218 can facilitate the transfer of data between network 202 and one or more databases 224. Server 218 and one or more databases 224 can provide an example of the memory arrangement 24 and a weather bureau 26, for instance.

[0096] Other networks may communicate with network 202. For example, telecommunications network 230 could facilitate the transfer of data between network 202 and mobile or cellular telephone 232 or a PDA-type device 234, by utilising wireless communication means 236 and receiving/transmitting station 238. Satellite communications network 240 could communicate with satellite signal receiver 242 which receives data signals from satellite 244 which in turn is in remote communication with satellite signal transmitter 246.

[0097] Terminals, for example further processing system 248, notebook computer 250 or satellite telephone 252, can thereby communicate with network 202. A local network 260, which for example may be a private network, LAN, etc., may also be connected to network 202. For example, network 202 could be connected with Ethernet 262 which connects terminals 264, server 266 which controls the transfer of data to and/or from database 268, and printer 270. Various other types of networks could be utilised.

[0098] The processing system 100 is adapted to communicate with other terminals, for example further processing systems 206, 208, by sending and receiving data, 118, 120, to and from the network 202, thereby facilitating possible communication with other components of the networked communications system 200.

[0099] Thus, for example, the networks 202, 230, 240 may form part of, or be connected to, the Internet, in which case, the terminals 206, 212, 218, for example, may be web servers, Internet terminals or the like. The networks 202, 230, 240, 260 may be or form part of other communication networks, such as LAN, WAN, Ethernet, token ring, FDDI ring, star, etc., networks, or mobile telephone networks, such as GSM, CDMA or 3G, etc., networks, and may be wholly or partially wired, including for example optical fibre, or wireless networks, depending on a particular implementation.

[00100] Accordingly, in light of the above description, the system 10 can be implemented in various ways. For example, an embodiment of the processing system 100 can form the controller 22, which communicates via an example of the communications network 200 with the memory arrangement 24 in the form of a networked, cloud-based database.

[00101] For example, the memory arrangement 24 stores the irrigation schema, which control system 22.1 accesses via the Internet to irrigate the soil portion 18. The various aspects (i) to (v) can also be input via examples of the communications network 200, or the controller 22 can automatically access various information sources to retrieve the relevant information.

[00102] The Applicant believes it advantageous that the present invention provides for an elegant and efficient system 10 and associated method for irrigating and/or fertigating a portion of soil. The invention allows a plurality of relevant information sources to be consulted in compiling a predictive irrigation model for providing optimum levels of irrigation and/or fertigation.

[00103] The irrigation model can be empirically verified using the soil moisture probe, after which the probe is no longer required.

[00104] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[00105] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising, " "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[00106] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[00107] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[00108] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims (43)

1. An irrigation system comprising: at least one soil moisture probe configured to sense a moisture gradient in a portion of soil; a water supply regulator and flow meter operatively regulating irrigation of the soil portion; a controller arranged in signal communication with the soil moisture probe and the water supply regulator and meter, the controller having a non-transitory memory arrangement for operatively storing an irrigation schema therein, said controller configured responsive to, for the soil portion: (i) weather information, (ii) soil characteristics, (iii) an irrigation history, (iv) nutrient application information, and (v) satellite spectral reflectance data, wherein the controller periodically polls aspects (i) to (v) and compares said polling to the sensed moisture gradient to compile the irrigation schema, the controller configured to facilitate irrigation of the soil portion in accordance with the irrigation schema, so that ongoing compilation of the irrigation schema forms a predictive irrigation model whereby the soil moisture probe is unnecessary to maintain desired irrigation of the soil portion.

2. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the soil moisture probe is configured to sense the moisture gradient from an upper soil surface down to a root zone of a plant growing in the soil portion.

3. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the soil moisture probe is configured to sense the moisture gradient from an upper soil surface down to below a root zone of a plant growing in the soil portion.

4. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the soil moisture probe is wirelessly arranged in signal communication with the controller.

5. The irrigation system of claim 1, which comprises a plurality of soil moisture probes to allow compilation of a predictive irrigation model for a large soil portion area.

6. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the water supply regulator and flow meter comprise a solenoid valve with an inline fluid flow meter.

7. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the water supply regulator and flow meter are wirelessly arranged in signal communication with the controller.

8. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises any central processing unit having electronic circuitry configured to perform basic arithmetic, logical, control and/or input/output (I/O) operations as specified by a set of instructions.

9. The irrigation system of claim 8, wherein the controller comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC).

10. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the weather information comprises current and forecast weather.

11. The irrigation system of claim 10, wherein the current weather information is obtained from an onsite weather station .

12. The irrigation system of claim 10, wherein the forecast weather information is obtained from a weather bureau database .

13. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the weather information comprises historic weather information for a corresponding seasonal time in the past.

14. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the weather information is selected from a group consisting of rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, evapotranspiration and solar radiation.

15. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the soil characteristics are selected from a group consisting of soil portion latitude, soil type, soil moisture holding capacity, soil saturation point, soil field capacity, permanent wilting point, soil working depth and soil drainage coefficient.

16. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the irrigation history includes information on the amount of water previously used for irrigation of the soil portion at different times, as measured by the flow meter.

17. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the irrigation history includes information relating to irrigation losses of the system.

18. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the nutrient application information includes types and quantities of fertilizers and/or nutrients applied to the soil over time.

19. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the nutrient application information includes a plant growth response to any fertilizers and/or nutrients applied to the soil over time .

20. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the satellite spectral reflectance data includes information relating to plant growth and/or health.

21. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the satellite spectral reflectance data is used to calculate a spectral reflectance index.

22. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the controller periodically polls the weather information, the soil characteristics, the irrigation history, the nutrient application information, and/or the satellite spectral reflectance data by accessing a suitable online database.

23. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the controller periodically polls the weather information, the soil characteristics, the irrigation history, the nutrient application information, and/or the satellite spectral reflectance data by accessing the compiled irrigation schema in the memory arrangement.

24. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to display the compiled irrigation schema as a geographical map overlay, showing actual versus budgeted water usage.

25. An irrigation method comprising the steps of: providing at least one soil moisture probe configured to sense a moisture gradient in a portion of soil; configuring a water supply regulator and flow meter to operatively regulate irrigation of the soil portion; arranging a controller in signal communication with the soil moisture probe and the water supply regulator and meter, the controller having a non-transitory memory arrangement for operatively storing an irrigation schema therein, said controller configured responsive to, for the soil portion, (i) weather information, (ii) soil characteristics, (iii) an irrigation history, (iv) nutrient application information, (v) and satellite spectral reflectance data; and periodically polling, by the controller, aspects (i) to (v) and comparing said polling to the sensed moisture gradient to compile the irrigation schema, the controller configured to facilitate irrigation of the soil portion in accordance with the irrigation schema, so that ongoing compilation of the irrigation schema forms a predictive irrigation model whereby the soil moisture probe is unnecessary to maintain desired irrigation of the soil portion.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of providing the soil moisture probe includes configuring the probe to sense the moisture gradient from an upper soil surface down to a root zone of a plant growing in the soil portion.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of providing the soil moisture probe includes configuring the probe to sense the moisture gradient from an upper soil surface down to below a root zone of a plant growing in the soil portion.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of providing the soil moisture probe includes arranging the probe in wireless signal communication with the controller.

29. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of configuring the water supply regulator and flow meter includes wirelessly arranging the regulator and flow meter in signal communication with the controller.

30. The method of claim 25, wherein the weather information comprises current and forecast weather.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the current weather information is obtained from an onsite weather station.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the forecast weather information is obtained from a weather bureau database.

33. The method of claim 25, wherein the weather information comprises historic weather information for a corresponding seasonal time in the past.

34. The method of claim 25, wherein the weather information is selected from a group consisting of rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, evapotranspiration and solar radiation.

35. The method of claim 25, wherein the soil characteristics are selected from a group consisting of soil portion latitude, soil type, soil moisture holding capacity, soil saturation point, soil field capacity, permanent wilting point, soil working depth and soil drainage coefficient.

36. The method of claim 25, wherein the irrigation history includes information on the amount of water previously used for irrigation of the soil portion at different times, as measured by the flow meter.

37. The method of claim 25, wherein the irrigation history includes information relating to irrigation losses of the system.

38. The method of claim 25, wherein the nutrient application information includes types and quantities of fertilizers and/or nutrients applied to the soil over time.

39. The method of claim 25, wherein the nutrient application information includes a plant growth response to any fertilizers and/or nutrients applied to the soil over time.

40. The method of claim 25, wherein the satellite spectral reflectance data includes information relating to plant growth and/or health.

41. The method of claim 25, wherein the satellite spectral reflectance data is used to calculate a spectral reflectance index.

42. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of polling the weather information, the soil characteristics, the irrigation history, the nutrient application information, and/or the satellite spectral reflectance data incudes the controller accessing a suitable online database.

43. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of polling the weather information, the soil characteristics, the irrigation history, the nutrient application information, and/or the satellite spectral reflectance data includes the controller accessing the compiled irrigation schema in the memory arrangement.