Water Saving in Agriculture with Smart Irrigation Systems: Real Experiences and Solutions
Water use in agriculture is one of Turkey's biggest problems. More than half of the 45 billion cubic meters of water spent on agricultural irrigation every year, i.e., approximately 25 billion cubic meters, is wasted. So, is there a way to prevent such a massive waste? Smart irrigation technologies are becoming an indispensable part of modern agriculture by providing both water savings and yield increases.
In this article, we will examine in detail the experiences in real projects made with esular smart irrigation systems, the concrete results obtained, and how the system works. If you also want to reduce your water and energy costs and increase your yield, you are in the right place.
The Cost of Traditional Irrigation Methods
The biggest problems faced by farmers working with traditional irrigation methods are:
- Excessive water consumption: Irrigation carried out without knowing the actual needs of the soil wastes both water and energy
- High labor cost: Opening and closing valves manually requires constant field monitoring
- Uneven irrigation: While some areas receive too much water, others may remain insufficient
- Time loss: The necessity of being constantly in the field makes it difficult to devote time to other tasks
The solution to these problems lies in data-driven and automatically operating smart irrigation systems. However, there are many systems on the market. So, which one really works?
What is Smart Irrigation and How Does It Work?
Smart irrigation systems are technological solutions that automatically make irrigation decisions by collecting data such as soil moisture, weather conditions, and plant water needs through sensors. Esular's wireless smart irrigation system stands out as one of the most advanced local technologies in this field.
Core Components of the System
1. Central Control Unit
The solar-powered, GSM/WiFi connected central station manages the entire system. It works uninterruptedly thanks to its 40-watt solar panel and 14 AH battery. Its most important feature is that it is completely wireless – costly operations such as digging trenches or pulling cables are not required.
2. Wireless Valve Control Units
Esular's biggest innovation is here: completely wireless control units installed on each valve with a battery life of more than 10 years. No cables, no external energy source required. They are controlled from the central unit with a range of 3-10 km. Installation time? Only 5 minutes!
3. Sensor Network
The system works with various sensors:
- Soil moisture sensors: Measures the moisture level at different depths of the soil
- Pressure sensors: Detects leaks instantly by monitoring line pressure
- Flow sensors: Monitors water consumption instantaneously
- Weather sensors: Optimizes irrigation decisions by collecting data such as precipitation, temperature, and humidity
Experience of a Farmer from Osmaniye
Sadettin Bey achieved remarkable results after starting to use the esular system in his leafy green greenhouse in Eskişehir:
Water cost: Decreased from 6,000 TL → to 4,000 TL (even though water prices increased!)
Energy savings: 30-40% reduction
Return on investment: Only 6 months
The point Sadettin Bey emphasized most: "I no longer have to be in the field constantly. I control everything from my phone. My irrigation hours, my valves, my water consumption... I both saved money and my quality of life increased."
1290-Decare Large-Scale Project: Süral Experience
The Süral project, carried out on a 1290-decare land in Alanya, shows how the esular system works efficiently even on large lands. Within the scope of the project:
- 150+ wireless valve control units were installed
- Full automation was provided with soil moisture, pressure, and flow sensors
- The entire land is controlled from a single point with the central management system
Why Esular? Features That Make a Difference
1. Completely Wireless Infrastructure
In traditional systems, one of the biggest cost items is trenching and cabling. This does not exist in Esular. Each device generates its own energy or works with a long-lasting battery. It provides 60-70% savings in installation costs.
2. AI-Supported Irrigation
The system does not just read sensor data, it learns and optimizes thanks to artificial intelligence algorithms. It makes the most accurate irrigation decision by analyzing weather forecasts, historical data, and soil characteristics.
3. 10 Year+ Battery Life
The 3.6V lithium-ion battery in each valve control unit works for more than 10 years. Thanks to low energy consumption and smart sleep modes, it requires almost no maintenance.
4. Remote Full Control
Through the mobile application and web panel:
- You can open and close valves
- You can create irrigation programs
- You can see instantaneous water consumption
- You receive instant alerts for problems such as pressure drops or leaks
- You can receive notifications via WhatsApp and Telegram
5. Local and Original Technology
Esular does not assemble imported parts. It develops its own sensors, valve controllers, and software. This provides both a cost advantage (at 1/4 the price of imported systems) and a local support advantage.
How Long Does Installation Take? Is It Practical?
One of the most praised features of the Esular system is its easy installation:
- Central station installation: 1-2 hours (including solar panel assembly)
- Each valve controller: 5 minutes (plug-and-play logic)
- Sensor placement: 10-15 minutes per sensor
- Software configuration: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Total installation time on a medium-sized farm (10-15 valves): 1-2 days
Most importantly, after installing the system, you can add new valves or sensors at any time. No reconfiguration is required.
In Which Agricultural Areas Can It Be Used?
Esular systems have a wide range of applications:
- Orchards: Citrus, apple, pear, pistachio, walnut
- Vegetable cultivation: Greenhouse and open field production
- Industrial crops: Cotton, wheat, corn, sunflower
- Greenhouses: Fully automatic climate and irrigation control
- Green areas: Golf courses, parks, landscape
- Alfalfa and forage crops: Efficient irrigation in large areas
Smart Fertilization (Fertigation) Support
Esular is not limited to irrigation only. With the automatic fertilization system, you can also manage fertilizer and acid tanks remotely:
- 3+1 tank control (3 fertilizer tanks + 1 acid tank)
- Instant monitoring of pH and EC values
- Remote fertilization programs
- Automatic adjustment according to plant growth periods
In this way, you both save on fertilizer and provide the nutrients the plants need exactly on time. Result: Yield increase up to 25-50%.
Which Esular Package Is Suitable for You?
Esular offers packages according to different needs. Here are popular options:
Starter Package (5-10 Valves)
Ideal for small gardens and pilot applications. Includes central station, valve controllers, and basic sensors.
Professional Package (20 Valves)
The most preferred package for medium and large-scale enterprises. It comes with advanced automation, pressure sensor, and detailed reporting features.
Individual Products
If you want to upgrade your existing system or create a special configuration, you can also purchase products individually:
Customer Satisfaction and Support
The common opinion of 300+ farmers using Esular:
"I was a bit hesitant at first, but at the end of the first season, I decided to expand for the entire land. Both my water cost decreased and my product quality increased. I no longer run around the field like before. Everything is on my phone."
– A citrus producer from Mersin
One of Esular's strong points is its technical support service. After installation:
- Instant support via WhatsApp
- Installation support via video call
- Regular software updates
- Expansion and optimization consultancy
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the system work during a power outage?
Yes. With the combination of solar energy and battery, the central station continues to work for up to 9-12 hours during power outages. Valve controllers already work for 10 years with their own batteries.
Can it be used in places without internet?
The system works with a GSM connection, so it can be used anywhere there is cell phone reception. You can also create offline scenarios to perform automatic irrigation without an internet connection.
Can it be integrated into my existing irrigation system?
Absolutely. Esular can be easily integrated into your existing hydraulic valves, pumps, and pipe systems. You don't need to set up a system from scratch.
Does it require maintenance?
Minimal maintenance is required. Cleaning the sensors once a year and checking battery levels is sufficient. Valve controllers require almost no maintenance for 10 years.
How long is the warranty period?
Esular products are under a 2-year warranty. In addition, assurance is provided for post-warranty support and spare parts supply.
Conclusion: The Time for Digital Transformation in Agriculture Has Come
Climate change, increasing water scarcity, and rising energy costs make digitalization in agriculture mandatory. Smart irrigation systems are no longer a luxury, but a necessity to remain competitive.
Esular's wireless, AI-supported smart irrigation system is a prominent solution in the sector in terms of both ease of installation and operational efficiency. Data obtained from real projects show that:
- 30-50% reduction in water consumption
- 30-40% drop in energy costs
- 20-30% increase in yield
- Return on investment within 6-18 months
These figures are not a dream, but reality. Proven results in many projects from Osmaniye to Alanya, from the MAREM Institute to private farms.
Get Started Now: Free Discovery and Consultancy
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More Information and Real Projects
To learn about Esular's other successful projects and detailed technical information, you can examine our other articles on our blog page:
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⚠️ Important Price Warning:
The prices and campaigns mentioned in this article reflect the list prices on the date the article was published. For current prices, campaigns, and stock status, please visit the esular store or contact us.
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