PIC

PIC overviewSee what PIC can do

PDF Document PIC news letter spring 2004

PDF Document PIC news letter spring 2003

PDF Document Descubra también el futuro del control del riego con PIC (Precision Irrigation Control)

Precision Irrigation Control is the innovative new system developed to continuously monitor soil moisture in the field to aid irrigation decision-making and efficient water application.

Monitoring soil moisture is essential for high value crops where the application of water at the right time, in the right place is critical for assuring quality - the main driver in today’s market place. Failure to accurately monitor and control soil moisture can result in inferior quality produce and lower yields, for example if we take a main crop of potatoes for pre-packing, if the quality is not of a standard required by the supermarkets the price can be reduced by as much as 80%, this can be a reduction in income by as much as £2800 per hectare.

Pressure is also on growers to ensure that water is used more efficiently. The availability of irrigation water is becoming increasingly restricted and the high costs involved in its supply necessitate the careful management of this finite resource. Over watering not only increases production costs but can lead to bacterial and fungal diseases. The Environment Agency acknowledges those that actively manage to use water more efficiently by the introduction in 2000 of the Water Efficiency Awards.

The PIC System


The PIC system uses a number of sensors that are positioned at varying depths in the field to take readings. These readings are then transmitted back to the farm computer as and when requested by the means of the data logger. A variety of sensors can be used, the maximum number being 32 connected to one data logger, sensors available include: -

  • Soil moisture
  • Soil temperature
  • Air temperature
  • Relative humidity

The soil moisture sensors used can be left in the ground for the full irrigation season, so disruption to the crop and the surrounding soil area is reduced, and greater accuracy achieved. PIC does however have the ability to be able to interface with any branded probe and so personal preference can be catered for.

The user will schedule how often the readings are to be taken and also when this data is to be e-mailed back to the farm computer. The farm computer, installed with the unique PIC software visually indicates the physical location of the sensors in the field to accurately indicate areas of moisture deficiency. The software will have already been set up to the specific requirements of the farm including number of fields, crop type and soil type giving the user a complete picture. PIC is also linked to a 10-day weather forecast for improved decision making.

A critical SMD level can be input so that the software alerts the user when that level is reached, this level can of course be changed at any time throughout the growing season as the crops need for water changes. PIC also has the facility to switch on and off irrigation hardware via radio telemetry, giving the user complete control of his irrigation practices from his office or home computer.

Just Another Control System?


As well as being an irrigation control system, PIC is also a reporting system. Accountability and profitability are two very important pre-requisites for any farming business and the need for significant improvements in crop traceability is gaining momentum. PIC allows the user to manually input all information about fertilizer, pesticide and water applications. This collated information can then be viewed or printed off at any time. Such record keeping is not only good agricultural practice but will also help to meet the demands of an ever-discerning processor and consumer.

WeatherLink


In addition to PIC, Fairfield also offer the WeatherLink station. This in-field monitor can provide meteorological measurements to aid decision making.