Irrigation Scheduling via Canopy Temperature Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for irrigation management, particularly in low rainfall and semi-arid conditions, lack effectiveness in controlling irrigation efficiently and minimizing water-deficit stress in plants.

Innovation Solution

A novel method and device utilizing real-time canopy temperature monitoring and microclimatological data to automatically schedule irrigations based on a cumulative water stress index, allowing for regulated deficit irrigation and field mapping of crop water stress levels, with the ability to selectively vary irrigation in different management zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If automatic irrigation scheduling is implemented using canopy temperature and time thresholds, then water use efficiency is improved and crop water stress is controlled, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater use efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors canopy temperature and soil moisture, comparing measured values against threshold ranges to dynamically adjust irrigation scheduling decisions, creating a closed-loop feedback control system that optimizes water application timing and amount

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual irrigation scheduling with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and communication modules to automatically monitor crop conditions and trigger irrigation events without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If deficit irrigation is applied to increase water use efficiency, then water consumption is reduced, but the risk of yield failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater consumptionVSAvoidyield reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts irrigation levels based on real-time canopy temperature and soil moisture conditions, allowing flexible modification of deficit irrigation strategies in response to changing environmental conditions and crop water stress levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors and responds to changes in key parameters including canopy temperature, soil moisture content, and environmental conditions to determine optimal irrigation timing and amount, adjusting irrigation parameters dynamically rather than using fixed schedules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If uniform irrigation is applied across the entire field, then management is simplified, but areas with special water needs cannot receive targeted attention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement simplicityVSAvoidzone-specific irrigation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the irrigation field into multiple management zones with independently controllable irrigation systems, allowing different irrigation schedules and strategies to be applied to different areas based on their specific water needs, soil properties, or crop conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances water use efficiency, reduces the risk of yield failure associated with deficit irrigation, and provides precise irrigation management by identifying areas needing special attention, thereby optimizing crop production.

Implementation Method 1

The sensors include at least one infrared thermometer effective for measuring plant canopy temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS8924031B1Irrigation scheduling and supervisory control and data acquisition system for moving and static irrigation systems

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 US SEC AGRI

AI summary

Irrigation of plants or crops is effected using plant canopy temperature measurements. The process and device include an irrigation scheduling algorithm based on an integrated water stress index (WSI) and an integrated WSI set-point. A WSI is calculated at repeated time intervals and compared to an encoded threshold WSI value that is crop and region specific. If the calculated WSI is greater than the encoded WSI value, a unit of integrated WSI (IWSI) is accumulated. If the time integral exceeds the encoded value for a 24 hour period, an irrigation signal is produced, directing the irrigation system where, when and how much to irrigate. The process and device will automatically schedule crop irrigations when the crop is water stressed and may control a moving or static irrigation system to apply the irrigation. Moreover, irrigation applications can be selectively varied over specified control areas or management zones.