Skip to main content
All CollectionsPulse Hub & Open Sprinkler OpenSprinkler Integration
Crop Steering/Automated Irrigation FAQ | OpenSprinkler
Crop Steering/Automated Irrigation FAQ | OpenSprinkler

List of needed equipment to setup automated irrigation for the Pulse Hub + OpenSprinkler integration. Recommended equipment, valves, etc.

John McLaughlin avatar
Written by John McLaughlin
Updated over a month ago

We've gotten a few questions from you guys about ideal setups, recommended equipment, and more when using the OpenSprinkler integration. This article includes a list of necessary equipment—such as water sources, valves, and pumps—with some instructions and best practices. With this setup, users can schedule & automate irrigation events by using Pulse Hub's volumetric water content (VWC) data directly in the Pulse app, enabling precise and efficient crop steering.

What you’ll need

  • Water source (choose one)

    • Demand pump

      • Demand pumps turn on automatically when your valves open. The pump turns itself off again when it senses pressure building in the delivery line due to closed valves.

    • Pressured city water

      • No pump required

        • Example: regular hose spigot, used in tap water applications.

  • Valves (one per irrigation zone)

  • Automation

      • Automate your irrigation schedule based on live soil moisture readings.

      • Pick a valve, watering duration, and minimum VWC percentage to activate an irrigation automatically. Water your plants exactly when they need it.

  • FAQ & Best practices

    • Use Y filters before each of your valves to reduce blockages.

    • Create a loop at the end of your irrigation lines to increase the consistency of water pressure to the drippers.

    • Use air bleed valves at the end of your runs to avoid air locks.

    • Use check/non-return valves to keep your pump primed

Did this answer your question?