HALL COUNTY, Neb. — Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Extension have unveiled a prototype device that could potentially save farmers thousands of dollars in irrigation costs. The team, led by Dr. Xin Qiao, an irrigation management specialist, has been developing the project for over two years and recently showcased it to the public at Husker Harvest Days.
Dr. Qiao explained that the inspiration for the device came from observing other self-powered valve products. “So the idea came from…a valve product [that] can generate power kind of by itself, with actuators. So we were thinking this can be used for irrigation equipment” he said.
The project is described as a ‘self-powered partial variable rate irrigation system’. GPS data is used to set boundaries while node valves receive commands to automatically apply the amount of water needed. The prototype combines software with a device capable of performing the functions of multiple variable rate irrigation devices independently. Qiao says that currently if a grower wanted to control sprinklers they would have to purchase a full variable rate irrigations package with cables, which can add up in costs. “So this particular device will let you control where you want to be. For example, you can take ten sprinklers off and retrofit, this one,” said Qiao…