Abstract: Electronic control units for programmed watering of lawns, gardens, flower boxes and similar spaces, comprise a front panel including a single push-button for selecting a watering program, at least one push-button for starting the selected program and a display. The control units comprise an electronic micro controller which in response to the operation of said push-button causes the visualization of the duration and the frequency of the selected program, and in response to a single operation of the start push-button causes the immediate start of the selected watering program, while the operation of the start push-button for a variable number of times programs the delayed start of the selected program.

Abstract: A two conductor hard wired communications link accepts an actual value of at least one parameter of interest from an environmental sensor in the form of data encoded on the conductors via current modulation. The sensor is mounted in location remote from an irrigation controller. A circuit connected to the sensor transmits an RF signal representing an actual value of a parameter of interest detected by the sensor. A data relay is connected to the hard wired communication link of the irrigation controller. The data relay includes a receiver that receives the RF signal, and circuitry configured to extract the actual value of the parameter of interest and emulate a predetermined set of physical and protocol properties of the hard wired communication link of the irrigation controller.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.

Abstract: An irrigation controller, includes a housing, a microcontroller within the housing and configured to store and execute an irrigation schedule, a valve driver coupled to the microcontroller and configured to output a zone activation signal to an actuatable zone valve in response to signaling from the microcontroller, and a user interface. The user interface includes a plurality of user input devices coupled to the microcontroller and configured to provide signaling to the microcontroller based upon a user's engagement therewith, the plurality of user input devices configured to allow the user to create an irrigation schedule; and a user display coupled to the microcontroller and configured to display irrigation parameters associated with the irrigation schedule. The microcontroller is configured to cause the user display to display at least one of a next irrigation start day, a next irrigation start time, and a next zone to irrigate associated with the irrigation schedule.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices and methods for providing operational power to a solar-powered irrigation control system. In one aspect, a method includes producing electrical energy from light, storing the electrical energy in a capacitive module, and operating an irrigation controller using the stored electrical energy independent of another power source. In another aspect, a device includes a control system comprising a computer having a programmed irrigation schedule which operates at least one irrigation device, a photovoltaic power module, and a capacitive module connected to said photovoltaic power module to store the electrical energy provided by the photovoltaic power module, where the capacitive module provides power for the control system to operate the at least one irrigation device independent of another power source.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation controllers comprising: a housing; a control unit including a first microcontroller configured to execute irrigation programs and a first set of code; and a removable plug-in device that removably mates with a portion of the irrigation controller and communicationally couples to the first microcontroller, wherein the plug-in device comprises a memory storing a second set of code to replace at least a portion of the first set of code, wherein the plug-in device is configured to re-flash at least a portion of the first set of code allowing a copy of the second set of code to overwrite at least the portion of the first set of code; wherein the first set of code comprises a bootloader that writes the copy of the second set of code over the first set of code with the exception of the bootloader that is not written over.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method and software program product for detecting and counteracting a temperature sensor failure with an irrigation controller operating in auto adjust watering mode. A plurality of pseudo temperature data are created from solar radiation for a particular location using unique pseudo temperature conversions for each temperature parameter. The pseudo temperature values can be compared to corresponding measured temperature values from the sensor to validate the integrity of the measurement. These pseudo temperature values are used in place of the measured temperatures for calculating a potential evapotranspiration water deficit for the site. Furthermore, if some valid measured temperature data existed prior to the sensor failure, the measured temperature data is compared to the corresponding pseudo temperature data. Any differences detected between the two values can be used to correct the pseudo temperature toward the measure temperature.

Abstract: A method of increasing the efficiency of an irrigation system includes measuring an inline pressure of an irrigation system via an inline pressure gauge. The method also includes adjusting the inline pressure of the irrigation system to a value closer to a predefined optimal design pressure of a water outlet of the irrigation system and calculating a desired run time using at least the predefined optimal design pressure.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods and systems of controlling irrigation. Some of these systems comprise: a connector of a controller interface (CI) coupled with an irrigation controller, wherein the connector is configured to receive a valve activation signal activated by the irrigation controller; a user interface of the CI; a processor of the CI configured to obtain valve transceiver (VT) programming with VT programming being received from inputs through the user interface, determine a station identifier, and identify as defined in the VT programming a remote valve associated with the station identifier and controlled by a remote VT; and a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit a wireless activation signal configured to be wirelessly received by the VT controlling the valve associated by the VT programming with the station identifier such that the VT is configured to control an actuator to actuate the valve.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, a modular controller supports expansion modules received in any one of the plurality module mounting locations, the expansion modules having different numbers of the station output connectors.

Abstract: An automatic gated-pipe actuator for controlling flow of an irrigation material to an agricultural region through an irrigation gate in a gated-irrigation pipe. The automatic gated-pipe actuator includes a gate valve for coupling to the gated-irrigation pipe, a gate actuator removably coupled to the gate valve and for actuating the gate valve and an automatic gated pipe gate control unit for controlling actuation of the gate valve. The control unit has a processor unit communicatively coupled to the gate actuator. Upon instruction from the gate control unit, the gate actuator will actuate and alter the disposition of the gate valve thereby altering the flow of irrigation material through the irrigation gate and to a portion of the agricultural region adjacent the irrigation gate.

Abstract: A long-range radio frequency (RF) transceiver-controller module configured to transmit and receive RF signals in one or more of the 433, 868, 915 MHz, and 2.4 and 5.8 GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency bands is provided that is capable of consistently transmitting such signals over a range of 100 meters or more without line of sight, including underground. A wireless control system that comprises a plurality of the long-range RF transceiver-controller modules arranged in a distributed, ad hoc networking topography is also provided. The wireless control system has utility in a wide range of medical, industrial, agricultural, military and commercial applications, including, for example, the management of irrigation systems, manufacturing processes, security systems, sewage treatment and handling systems, hospital management systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing at least one property of a target soil responsive to a first a first microwave signal, constituted of: a detector; a probe arranged to be embedded in the target soil; and a coupler arranged to couple a first portion of the first microwave signal to the first end of the probe, and to couple a second portion of the generated first microwave signal as a microwave reference signal to a reference input of the detector; the detector arranged to square each of the microwave signal exiting the probe and the microwave reference signal and to output a phase difference signal indicative of the phase difference between the squared probe output microwave signal and the squared microwave reference signal; and a control circuitry coupled to the output of the detector and arranged to output an irrigation control signal responsive to the phase difference signal.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for wireless irrigation control with a remote application. The system includes a processor and plurality of interactive zone switches for connection to at least one irrigation device; each zone switch further operable to detect a state of a connected irrigation device. Non-volatile memory is coupled to the processor and provided with executable instructions to direct operation of each interactive zone switch. There is at least one remote application to establish a schedule within the non-volatile memory for operation for each interactive zone switch and to receive the schedule from the non-volatile memory in response to a users desire to review or modify the schedule. A wireless network component is coupled to the processor and the non-volatile memory and is in communication with the remote application to schedule operation of at least one interactive zone switch and at least one irrigation device.

Abstract: A landscape controller includes a housing and a control panel in the housing. The control panel includes a display and at least one manual control that enable a user to enter and/or select a watering schedule. A memory is provided for storing an operational program for carrying out the watering schedule. A processor is connected to the memory and is capable of executing the operational program. A connecting device in the control panel operatively connects at least one feature module to the processor. The controller further includes station control circuitry controlled by the processor that enables the processor to selectively energize a plurality of valves to deliver water to sprinklers in accordance with the watering schedule.

Abstract: A method of optimizing water applications of a center pivot irrigation system. The field is mapped to determine the yield potentials of various parts of the field. The field map is divided into sectors or zones and the yield potentials of those sectors or zones are determined. The number of sectors or zones to be irrigated is dependent upon the water flow available to the irrigation system. Only those sectors or zones which can receive adequate irrigating water to achieve the predetermined water application depth will be irrigated.

Abstract: Therefore, the illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method and system for providing an application of a resource to plants. A plurality of per plant prescriptions for a plurality of plants are received and a source is selected to fulfill the plurality of per plant prescriptions to form a selected source. Movement of a mobile utility vehicle is controlled to the selected source, the resource is obtained, and movement of the mobile utility vehicle is controlled to each plant in the plurality of plants. The resource is applied from the mobile utility vehicle to each plant according to the per plant prescription.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely controlling water sprinkling systems is disclosed. Computing devices such as smart phones, personal computers, and the like may be connected to the Internet and run programs to control water sprinkling systems. A controller may be provided that communicates with the computing device and activates and deactivates solenoids within an existing sprinkling system. The remote computing device is used to set parameters for watering schedules, etc. and communicate them wirelessly to the controller. The controller may also have access to the internet for local weather reports and activate or deactivate the sprinkling system based on the local weather reports.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described in which different irrigation controllers in an irrigation control system have machine code having a same code base. In one implementation, a first irrigation control unit comprises a processor and a medium storing a first set of machine code to be executed by the processor. The first set is based on a portion of source code on which a second set of machine code stored in a second irrigation control unit is based, and the first and second sets not identical to each other. The first and second irrigation control units are in a predefined hierarchical control relationship. In one variation, the first and second control units have at least related operating systems. In another variation, a central controller includes machine code developed from at least a portion of the same source code as machine code in a remote controller for simulation or execution purposes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method that comprises retrieving by a processing unit an application plan from memory, the application plan comprising coordinates for a buffer area associated with dispensing a product onto a field; receiving information from a weather station, the information corresponding to substantially current climatic conditions detected by the weather station in the field; responsive to receiving the information from the weather station, adjusting the application plan; and causing an agricultural machine to operate according to the adjusted application plan.

Abstract: An irrigation system comprises a central pivot; a main section pivotally connected to the central pivot; and a control system for positioning the main section to minimize wind damage. The control system comprises a location-determining component for determining a current position or bearing of the main section; a wind sensor for determining wind direction; and a computing device coupled with the wind sensor and the location-determining component for determining an optimal orientation of the main section based on an output of the wind sensor and the current position or bearing of the main section and for directing the motors to drive the wheels of the mobile towers to orient the main section in the optimal orientation.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, methods of implementing irrigation control are provided that detect a presence of a first module coupled with a control unit of an irrigation controller, the control unit operating in accordance with a bootloader set of code and a first set of code to implement irrigation control, identify that the first module stores a second set of code, and activate the bootloader set of code to replace the first set of code with the second set of code. Also described are various different types of modular controllers, expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of the controller and these modules in the controller.

Abstract: A computer-implemented methods and systems for remote controlling of irrigation are provided. The method may comprise: monitoring one or more sensor measurement parameters per irrigation zone; determining whether the one or more sensor measurement parameters exceed predetermined values for each irrigation zone; selectively irrigating one or more irrigation zones; recording the monitored sensor measurement parameters to a database; and serving at least one web page configured to enable users to review the recorded sensor measurement parameters per irrigation zone and change the predetermined values related to the one or more sensor measurement parameters for the one or more irrigation zones.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a zone based energy management system includes controlling at least one network device at a site using the proximity detection of a mobile device which may be based upon the detection of a plurality of zones. The network device may be a thermostat associated with the HVAC system of the site or other energy consuming appliances. Each of the zones may be associated with a corresponding temperature set-point of the thermostat or other energy consuming device where the temperature set point corresponding to a zone may be different from the temperature set points corresponding with each of the other zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for irrigation and fertilization control in a vast area, based on measuring the soil resistive electrical conductance values, during watering and fertilization cycles. A continuous electric field is created below the subsurface of the large soil area by a device that is spaced many feet apart in order to propagate an electric field through the soil. This alternating electric field averages soil conductance and therefore eliminates effects of non-uniformity in a monitored area. Furthermore, absolute conductance variations over long time periods offer the accurate point in time for soil fertilization.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) control system and method for irrigation and related applications is provided for a boom assembly with main and extension boom sections, which are hingedly connected and adapted for folding. The control system includes an antenna and a receiver connected to the antenna. A rover antenna is mounted on the boom extension section and is connected to the receiver. A processor receives GNSS positioning signals from the receiver and computes locations for the antennas, for which a vector indicating an attitude of the extension boom section can be computed. Various boom arrangements and field configurations are accommodated by alternative aspects of the control system.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for water conservation with irrigation controllers based upon the ambient temperature and extraterrestrial radiation of a particular geographical area. It receives a preliminary irrigation schedule from the operator and computes a water budget ratio by comparing current local geo-environmental data with stored local geo-environmental data, then modifying the preliminary irrigation schedule based upon that ratio. The present invention utilizes fewer variables, is less complex, and is much easier to install and maintain than the current evapotranspiration-based controllers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an irrigation controller, method and software program product for generating wire tracker signal transmission across a control wire. The irrigation controller includes a valve actuation control module selectively coupled to each of a plurality of control wires and generating a valve actuation control signal thereon. The valve actuation control signal is a continuous control voltage over a plurality of control signal periods for selectively energizing the selected irrigation valve. Also integrated in the irrigation controller is a wire tracker transmitter module for selectively coupling to each of a plurality of control wires and generating a transmission signal that can be received at a mobile receiver.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide systems and methods of controlling irrigation, comprising: communicating an assumption broadcast from a first irrigation controller to each of a plurality of other irrigation controllers defining assumed states of control elements, wherein the control elements are shared with one or more of the first irrigation controller and the other irrigation controllers; determining whether a reply is received from one or more of the other irrigation controllers in reply to the assumption broadcast; identifying, from the reply, a correction to a state corresponding to a first control element; updating state information corresponding to the first control element in response to the identifying the correction; and communicating a subsequent notification from the first irrigation controller to each of the plurality of other irrigation controllers of the irrigation system, where the subsequent notification comprises the updated state information corresponding to the first control element.

Abstract: A control system for a seeder implement with a plurality of row units grouped into one or more sections, is provided. The control system includes an intelligent control, a plurality of down force sensors electrically connected to the intelligent control, each of the one or more sections having at least one down force sensor associated therewith. The system further includes a plurality of down force actuators electrically connected to the intelligent control, each of the row units associated with at least one of the plurality of down force actuators. The intelligent control is configured to determine whether each of the one or more sections is in a plant zone or a no plant zone and to control down force applied by the plurality of down force actuators differently when one or more of the plurality of sections is in a no plant zone.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices and methods for providing operational power to a solar-powered irrigation control system. In one aspect, a method includes producing electrical energy from light, storing the electrical energy in a capacitive module, and operating an irrigation controller using the stored electrical energy independent of another power source. In another aspect, a device includes a control system comprising a computer having a programmed irrigation schedule which operates at least one irrigation device, a photovoltaic power module, and a capacitive module connected to said photovoltaic power module to store the electrical energy provided by the photovoltaic power module, where the capacitive module provides power for the control system to operate the at least one irrigation device independent of another power source.

Abstract: A wireless sub-surface soil sensor having a switchable configuration antenna that can be optimized for various soils is disclosed herein. The wireless sub-surface sensor also measures the moisture and salinity of a material. The wireless sub-surface sensor preferably includes a cover for protecting circuitry of the sensor. The wireless soil sensor is designed to be buried underground and to transmit to above ground receivers, which provide feedback for configuring the switchable antenna.

Abstract: To allow for optimal uniform application of irrigation fluid in a field space outfitted with a center pivot irrigation machine having a main pipeline and an auxiliary or corner pipeline, the auxiliary pipeline is operable to both lead and lag the main pipeline as the main pipeline makes a progressive rotation in a single direction through the field space. In one embodiment a control system for the irrigation machine comprises a buried cable control system. In another embodiment a control system comprises a global positioning satellite control system. In a third embodiment a control system comprises at least two position sensing devices, a first device for sensing an angle of the main pipeline with respect to a center tower and a second device for sensing an angle between the main pipeline and the auxiliary pipeline, and a speed controlling device for controlling a speed of rotation of the main and auxiliary pipelines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optimized design of an irrigation system with tubing spans equipped with components including distributors, each composed of elements. The method comprises the steps of: inputting first data about spans into storage means of a computer apparatus where an IT product for designing the plant is stored, which comprises a database of the elements; inputting second data concerning the terminals of the last spans into the storage means; selecting elements from a group of sets of elements contained in the database; and generating, by the IT product, a list of components comprising the selected elements. Each of the sets is processed by the IT product by selecting, of all the available elements, those having mechanical properties suitable for the first and second input data and the previously selected elements for mechanical continuity of the irrigation plant.

Abstract: A monitoring system is provided for monitoring the growing conditions of plants in the vicinity of the roots. In addition, it is provided a system that applies real-time analysis of the growing process parameters and takes into consideration components such as plant, soil, climate, fertilizer and water. A management system based on the real-time analysis is designed that computes the amount of water and fertilizer needed every day to the plants.

Abstract: A node of a fault-tolerant system relies upon a primary communication mechanism, when possible, for primary connection to a central server. The node monitors its primary connection to the server. While the primary connection is active, the node operates in a supervised mode, in that it generally does not perform a certain subset of tasks without having received real-time commands from the server to perform those tasks. However, when the node detects that it is no longer connected to the server, the node transitions into a fail-over mode. The node operates in the fail-over mode until the node detects that primary connection is re-established. While in fail-over mode, the node may execute a stored set of fail-over instructions that were provided by the server. The node may also attempt to establish a backup connection to the server via a second and different type of communication mechanism.

Abstract: A smart irrigation system for an irrigation controller associated with an irrigation site is described herein. The smart irrigation system comprises a central control system having a user interface and a smart scheduler. The central control system is configured to derive and send an irrigation schedule for the irrigation site. The smart scheduler comprises a data receiver, a processor, and a signal interface. The data receiver is configured to receive the irrigation schedule. The processor is configured to convert the irrigation schedule to a series of control signals that the irrigation controller recognizes. The signal interface is configured to connect to the irrigation controller and to send the series of control signals to the irrigation controller. The system uses weather data and irrigation site-specific information to automatically apply the optimal irrigation schedule. Users are able to remotely control the irrigation via networks such as Internet.

Abstract: An irrigation control device having a modulator that modulates data onto an alternating power signal by distorting amplitude of a first leading portion of selected cycles of the alternating power signal, and permit effectively a full amplitude of the alternating power signal on a following portion of the selected cycles, wherein the first leading portion and the following portion are either both on a high side of a cycle or both on a low side of a cycle of the alternating power signal. The irrigation control device further includes an interface configured to couple the modulator to a multi-wire interface coupled to a plurality of irrigation devices to permit the alternating power signal to be applied to the multi-wire interface.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention delivers water to plants of a specified type which reside in a quantity of soil. A condensing unit is operated at optimum intervals to condense water vapor in the air into water in liquid form. The condensed water is stored in a reservoir connected to an irrigation system, which can deliver water from the reservoir to each of the plants. A database is established that contains horticultural information, wherein the horticultural information comprises a set of values representing the water needed by plants of the specified type at different stages of growth. Estimates of soil moisture content are generated during a specified time period. Optimum watering intervals are computed during the specified time period, at least in part, as a function of the set of values contained in the horticultural database, and also as a function of the estimates of moisture content. The irrigation system is operated to deliver water to each plant during respective optimum watering intervals.

Abstract: A system and method to use remote sensing to estimate crop water use that is forecasted and is updated as weather and new satellite data become available. From these data the system and method uses a water accounting algorithm to prescribe irrigation differentially for regions of a field or for the entire field as an average. Irrigation prescription is delivered remotely through Internet technology.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a remote control irrigation system which comprises a centralized radio control programmer (P) adapted to generate radiofrequency programming controls and a plurality of programmable units (RF VPR) provided with a radiofrequency control module (MC) adapted to receive and execute said programming commands and to communicate its status to said centralized programmer (P). The system is further provided with at least one radiofrequency rain sensor (SP) associated with said programmable units (RF VPR) in a dedicated or universal manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computerized method for operating changes to an irrigation system. The method includes the steps of: providing a computer processing apparatus having storage media; installing a computer program product for sizing and changing the system; loading a general database of components susceptible of being used in the system onto the storage media; loading an initial combination of components defining the configuration of the system before the change; introducing technical specifications about the final configuration of the system into the computer program product; operating one or more changes to the system in accordance with the technical specifications of the final configuration thereof. The computer program product is designed to provide a first list of components concerned by the changes and a second list containing the changes.

Abstract: An evapotranspiration (ET) unit includes a processor and a memory for storing a historical set of components of ET data. The processor can communicate with one or more environmental sensors each capable of generating a signal representing an actual value to be substituted for a corresponding one of the components of the historical set. Preprogrammed algorithms enable the processor to calculate changes to a set of watering schedules of a predetermined watering program of an irrigation controller based on any substituted actual value and the remaining historical set of components. The ET unit 10 communicates the changes to the irrigation controller.

Abstract: A method for scheduling mowing tasks by a robotic mower is provided. An estimated height of grass cut by the robotic mower is determined for a predetermined number of past mowing tasks. The estimated height of grass cut is compared with a predicted height of grass in an operating environment for the robotic mower. Then, a mowing schedule for the robotic mower is adjusted by decreasing a time between mowing tasks in response to the estimated height of grass cut being greater than the predicted height of grass. Alternatively, the mowing schedule for the robotic mower is adjusted by increasing the time between mowing tasks in response to the estimated height of grass cut being less than the predicted height of grass.

Abstract: An irrigation device including an actuator configured to control water flow to at least one water delivery device, a first stored energy source configured to power the actuator to effect irrigation via the at least one water delivery device, and a second stored energy source which is separate from the first stored energy source, wherein the second stored energy source is configured to power the actuator to terminate the irrigation via the at least one water delivery device. The irrigation devices further includes a controller configured to cause the first stored energy source to power the actuator to effect the irrigation, responsive to an instruction to provide irrigation, and to cause the second stored energy source to power the actuator to terminate the irrigation responsive to a termination condition.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to automatically determine plant water requirements and adjust irrigation in order to make efficient use of water. In one implementation an irrigation control unit comprises at least one input configured to be coupled to and receive signals from a temperature sensor, the signals corresponding to current values of temperature. The unit also includes a memory storing historical values of a plurality of variables and a processor coupled to the at least one input and the memory. The processor is configured to determine plant water requirements at least in part using the historical values of the plurality of variables and the current values of the temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides optimized installation site specifications for sprinkler head position and nozzle size for center pivot and/or linear movement type irrigation systems in which a plurality of sprinkler heads are typically mounted at multiple adjacent lateral positions along a water supply boom/line. A sprinkler head spacing and nozzle size computational apparatus and method is disclosed which employs a sprinkler precipitation depth-profile based modeling technique for determining and optimizing lateral positions and nozzle sizes for sprinkler heads disposed along the length of an irrigation system supply distribution boom/line. A required/desired irrigation application delivery rate/depth is specified by an irrigation system user/designer for one or more discrete segments along the irrigation system distribution boom/line according to specific irrigation needs.

Abstract: Methods of controlling a resource demand system are disclosed. One method includes obtaining weather data from at least one data source that collects weather data at a plurality of areas. A weather value for a target location is calculated from the weather data. A weather value is sensed for the target location. The calculated weather value is compared with the sensed weather value to validate at least one of the calculated weather value and the sensed weather value, and a control value is calculated based on at least one of the calculated weather value and the sensed weather value.

Abstract: An applicant dispersal assembly is described that couples to an irrigation system. It is contemplated that the irrigation system may be a center pivot irrigation system, a linear move irrigation system, or the like. The applicant dispersal assembly is configured to receive an applicant and selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. In an implementation, the applicant dispersal assembly includes a pump assembly configured to couple to an irrigation conduit. The irrigation conduit is configured to provide an applicant to the pump assembly for dispersing over a cultivation area. The pump assembly is configured to pump the applicant and to selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. The applicant dispersal assembly also includes an applicant dispersal device that is coupled to the pump assembly. The applicant dispersal device is configured to disperse the applicant.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes an irrigation controller, at least one environmental sensor and a vandal resistant data relay. The irrigation controller includes a two conductor hard wired communications link for accepting an actual value of at least one parameter of interest from an environmental sensor in the form of data encoded on the conductors via current modulation. The environmental sensor is mounted in a location remote from the irrigation controller. A circuit is connected to the environmental sensor for transmitting an RF signal representing an actual value of a parameter of interest detected by the environmental sensor. The vandal resistant data relay is connected to the two conductor hard wired communication link of the irrigation controller.