DE102017008228A1 - Method for irrigating a soil by means of a pipeline system and at least one soil moisture measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for irrigating a floor (10) by means of a line system (12) and at least one soil moisture measuring device (14), wherein the line system (12) a plurality of flow paths (18, 19, 21), wherein the conduit system (12 ) for each flow path (18) each having a valve (20) which can be transferred to block or release the respective flow path (18) between a closed valve state and an open valve state, the method comprising the steps A to N. The invention further relates to a computer program product and a data carrier.

Description

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to a method for irrigating a soil by means of a conduit system and at least one soil moisture measuring device.

Methods and devices for irrigation of soils, especially of turf or lawns, for example, from US 2009/0276102 A1 , of the WO 2005/074439 A2 , of the EP 2 196 084 A2 and the DE 32 38 073 A1 known.

In other known methods, the irrigating soil is divided into several soil areas, since usually the existing water pressure is insufficient to irrigate the entire soil at once, so that the soil areas are to be watered in chronological succession. A disadvantage of these known methods is the high cost associated with the use of the method for realizing the time staggering. Thus, e.g. Solutions are known in which three valves are provided with three humidity sensors for the temporal successive irrigation of three areas. As soon as the irrigation of a first soil area is terminated as a result of sufficient soil moisture, irrigation must be extended to the remaining soil areas by realizing further complex moisture measurements. In addition, it is very costly to provide a high number of valves and humidity sensors or moisture measuring devices, in particular if the method extends to more than three floor areas.

Underlying task

The present invention is therefore based on the object to reduce the cost of successive irrigation of several soil areas.

Inventive solution

This object is achieved with a method for irrigating a soil mittes a pipe system and at least one soil moisture meter with the features of the independent claim 1.

In the method according to the invention for irrigating a floor by means of a line system and at least one soil moisture measuring device, the line system has a plurality of flow paths. The line system has for each flow path in each case a valve which can be transferred to block or release the respective flow path between a closed valve state and an open valve state.

1. (A) Aufteilen des zu bewässernden Bodens in mehrere Bodenbereiche mit um maximal 30 % voneinander abweichende, vorzugsweise maximal 15 %, insbesondere maximal 10 % voneinander abweichende Flächengrößen,
2. (B) Anordnen des Bodenfeuchte-Messgeräts in einer Messposition zum Messen der Bodenfeuchte eines ersten Bodenbereichs der Bodenbereiche bzw. in Kontakt bringen des Feuchtesensors des Bodenfeuchte-Messgeräts mit einem ersten Bodenbereich der Bodenbereiche bzw. mit einem ersten der Bodenbereiche,
3. (C) Erfassen des Ventilzustands aller Ventile des Leitungssystems,
4. (D) sofern sich nach Ausführen des Schritts C ergibt, dass sich wenigstens ein Ventil im geöffneten Ventilzustand befindet, Überführen des wenigstens einen Ventils in den geschlossenen Ventilzustand (oder in anderen Worten: sofern sich nach Ausführen des Schritts C ergibt, dass sich ein oder mehrere Ventile im geöffneten Ventilzustand befindet/befinden, Überführen des einen Ventils oder der Ventile in den geschlossenen Ventilzustand),
5. (E) Herstellen einer wasserleitenden Verbindung eines jeden der Strömungswege mit jeweils einer wasserleitenden Bewässerungseinrichtung, die für die Bewässerung jeweils eines Bodenbereichs der Bodenbereiche vorgesehen ist bzw. die für die Bewässerung jeweils eines Bodenbereichs vorgesehen ist,
6. (F) Beaufschlagen aller Strömungswege des Leitungssystems mit einem Wasserdruck einer Wasserquelle, so dass jeder Strömungsweg durch Überführen seines Ventils in den geöffneten Ventilzustand mit Wasser der Wasserquelle durchströmbar ist
7. (G) Messen der Bodenfeuchte mittels des Bodenfeuchte-Messgeräts,
8. (H) Bewässern des ersten Bodenbereichs über einen ersten der Strömungswege (bzw. über einen ersten Strömungsweg der Strömungswege) und die mit diesem Strömungsweg wasserleitend verbundene Bewässerungseinrichtung durch Überführen des Ventils des ersten Strömungswegs in den geöffneten Ventilzustand zu einem Zeitpunkt, bei dem der in Schritt G gemessene Bodenfeuchte-Messwert keiner oder gleich einem vorgegebenen ersten Bodenfeuchte-Wert ist,
9. (I) Beenden der Bewässerung des ersten Bodenbereichs zu einem Zeitpunkt, bei dem der in Schritt G gemessene Bodenfeuchte-Messwert größer oder gleich einem zweiten vorgegebenen Bodenfeuchte-Wert ist, der größer als der erste Bodenfeuchte-Wert ist, wobei die Bewässerung durch Überführen des Ventils des ersten Strömungswegs in den geschlossenen Ventilzustand beendet wird,
10. (J) Ermitteln der für den ersten Bodenbereich aufgewendeten Bewässerungsdauer aus dem zeitlichen Abstand der Zeitpunkte in Schritt H und I,
11. (K) Vorgeben einer für einen nächsten Bodenbereich vorgesehenen Bewässerungsdauer, die zwischen dem 0,8-fachen bis 1,2-fachen der in Schritt J ermittelten Bewässerungsdauer liegt,
12. (L) Bewässern des nächsten Bodenbereichs durch Überführen des Ventils des Strömungswegs, der mit der Bewässerungseinrichtung zur Bewässerung des nächsten Bodenbereichs in wasserleitender Verbindung steht, in den geöffneten Ventilzustand,
13. (M) Beenden der Bewässerung des nächsten Bodenbereichs nach Ablauf der in Schritt (K) vorgegebenen Bewässerungsdauer durch Überführen des Ventils des Strömungswegs, der mit der Bewässerungseinrichtung zur Bewässerung des nächsten Bodenbereichs in wasserleitender Verbindung steht, in den geschlossenen Ventilzustand, und
14. (N) Wiederholen der Schritte K, L, und M bis alle Bodenbereiche bewässert sind.

The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

1. (A) splitting the soil to be irrigated into several soil areas with surface areas deviating from each other by a maximum of 30%, preferably a maximum of 15%, in particular a maximum of 10%,
2. (B) arranging the soil moisture measuring device in a measuring position for measuring the soil moisture of a first floor area of the floor areas or bringing the moisture sensor of the soil moisture measuring device with a first floor area of the floor areas or with a first of the floor areas,
3. (C) detecting the valve state of all valves of the piping system,
4. (D) if, after carrying out step C, at least one valve is in the valve open state, transferring the at least one valve to the valve closed state (or in other words: if, after performing step C, one or more of the valves is open) several valves are in open valve state, transfer of one valve or valves to closed valve state),
5. (E) establishing a water-conducting connection of each of the flow paths, each with a water-conducting irrigation device, which is provided for the irrigation of a respective bottom region of the bottom regions or which is provided for the irrigation of a respective bottom region,
6. (F) Actuation of all flow paths of the conduit system with a water pressure of a water source, so that each flow path can be flowed through by transferring its valve in the open valve state with water of the water source
7. (G) measuring the soil moisture by means of the soil moisture meter,
8. (H) watering the first floor area via a first one of the flow paths (or via a first flow path of the flow paths) and irrigation connected to this flow path water by transferring the valve of the first flow path in the open valve state at a time when in G measured soil moisture reading is not equal to or equal to a predetermined first soil moisture value,
9. (I) terminating the irrigation of the first soil area at a time when the soil moisture measured value measured in step G is greater than or equal to a second predetermined soil moisture value greater than the first soil moisture value, the irrigation by transferring the Valve of the first flow path is terminated in the closed valve state,
10. (J) determining the duration of irrigation used for the first ground area from the time interval of the times in steps H and I,
11. (K) setting an irrigation time scheduled for a next soil area that is between 0.8 times to 1.2 times the watering time determined in step J,
12. (L) watering the next floor area by transferring the valve of the flow path, which is in water-conducting connection with the irrigation device for irrigating the next floor area, into the open valve state,
13. (M) terminating the irrigation of the next floor area after the expiration of the predetermined in step (K) irrigation time by transferring the valve of the flow path, which is in water-conducting connection with the irrigation device for irrigation of the next floor area in the closed valve state, and
14. (N) Repeat steps K, L, and M until all floor areas are watered.

The method according to the invention is characterized in that, by merely providing a soil moisture measuring device or a single soil moisture measuring device in conjunction with the actuation of the valves, the soil or the entire soil area can be irrigated by successive irrigation of the soil areas divided according to step A. , This is realized according to the invention by determining the duration of irrigation time used for the first area, which is determined in step J from the time interval of the times in steps H and I or in steps H and I, respectively, the duration of irrigation for the next or each Another floor area (see steps M and N) is based on that in step K for the next floor area or the respective next floor area an irrigation period is set, which is between 0.8 times to 1.2 times that in step J determined irrigation time is. So can advantageously be dispensed with a complex measurement of soil moisture for the other soil areas. According to the invention, the duration of irrigation determined for the first floor area is advantageously used to determine the duration of the irrigation period to be provided for the next floor area or the respective next floor area. This procedure is based on the consideration that a duration of irrigation specified or determined for the first soil area on the basis of moisture measurements - possibly with deviations of +/- 20 percent - is also a suitable irrigation period for a next or further irrigated soil area, since the floor areas of the soil to be irrigated, which are divided according to step A, are ground areas with equal or essentially equal areas or area sizes. In particular, if the irrigation means - to which the flow paths of the conduit system are connected in a water-conducting manner in step E - have equal or substantially equal total flow resistance, the predetermined in step K irrigation period for a next or a respective next irrigated soil area a suitable irrigation time In this respect, the water-conducting irrigation devices, which are connected in a water-conducting manner in step E with the flow paths of the conduit system, preferably have the same total or preferably substantially equal total flow resistance.

Overall, therefore, the cost of successive irrigation of several floor areas over the known solutions can be significantly reduced. In contrast to most known solutions, it is merely necessary to provide a soil moisture measuring device or a single soil moisture measuring device which, moreover, is no longer removed from the first floor area (see step B) because the Soil Moisture Meter is only used to determine the duration of irrigation for the first soil area (see step J). Although solutions are known that use only a single soil moisture meter, but this must be transported in these known solutions for the successive irrigation of soil areas of the soil for the purpose of measuring soil moisture at great expense to the still irrigated soil areas.

In step K, the duration of irrigation provided for a next floor area is specified, which is between 0.8 times to 1.2 times the duration of irrigation determined in step J, ie the duration of irrigation determined on the basis of the humidity measurements in step G. has been. Deviations from the irrigation time provided for the respective next floor area to the irrigation period determined in step J may be necessary, for example, if the respective next floor area is exposed to stronger solar radiation than was the first floor area during the irrigation. Therefore, the irrigation time specified in step K is particularly preferably longer than the irrigation time of the previously irrigated ground area if the irradiation intensity of the sun radiation to the next ground area is greater or stronger than the irradiation intensity of the sun irradiation during the irrigation of the previously irrigated ground area acted. To ascertain or measure the irradiance, it is possible, for example, to use solar measuring devices known to the person skilled in the art, which measures the intensity of the solar radiation in W / m ² .

Particularly preferably, the duration of irrigation predetermined in step K is between 0.9 and 1.1 times the duration of irrigation determined in step J. It has been shown in practice that with irrigation durations within this time interval very good results could be achieved for the irrigation of the respective next floor area.

In the conduit system with the plurality of flow paths and the plurality of valves or hydraulic valves - wherein the conduit system for each flow path in each case one of the valves or hydraulic valves and wherein the conduit system for each flow path in each case one of the flow path (or the respective flow path) associated valve It may be a conduit system known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the conduit system may comprise a base body in the form of a conventional distributor known from irrigation technology, in which the flow paths are formed.

In step F, all flow paths of the line system are pressurized with a water pressure of a water source so that each flow path can be flowed through by transferring its valve into the open valve state with water from the water source or so that each flow path and the irrigation device (cf. Step E) by transferring its valve in the open valve state for the purpose of irrigation of the bottom area - for which the irrigation device or the respective irrigation device is provided - with water can be flowed through. The admission of all flow paths of the line system with a water pressure of a water source can e.g. in the usual way by establishing a water-conducting connection of each flow path of the conduit system with an in-locked or closed state inlet fitting of the water source, e.g. a faucet, and then opening or releasing the inflow by transferring the inflow fitting in a releasing or open state ("cock open") take place or be made. The water-conducting connection to the inflow fitting can be realized in a manner known to the person skilled in the art. Thus, the piping system may e.g. a connection piece which can be screwed to the inflow fitting and which produces a water-conducting connection of the water source to each of the flow paths when the line system is connected to the at least one water source via the connection piece. Of course, the water-conducting compound or the water-conducting compounds can already be present before carrying out the method according to the invention, so that for carrying out step F only e.g. an inflow fitting (such as a faucet) is open or is to be transferred to the open state.

The conduit system includes, for each flowpath, a respective valve that is translatable to obstruct or enable the respective flowpath between a closed valve state and an open valve state, i. So that the valve in the open valve state releases the respective flow path and thus allows the flow of water in this flow path or via this flow path and in the closed valve state obstructs the respective flow path, thus preventing a flow of water in this flow path or via this flow path.

In a water-conducting irrigation device, which is connected in a water-conducting manner in step E with one of the flow paths, it may be a device known to those skilled in the art, the In particular, for example, at least one hose and at least one with an end portion of the hose water-conductive connected sprinklers may have. In particular, each of the irrigation devices may comprise at least three sprinklers.

If above and below from the realization or production of a water-conducting compound is mentioned or is generally speaking of a water-conducting compound, then this compound can be realized or realized in the usual manner known to those skilled, so in particular e.g. by using connecting means, which connects the connection partners together to form a watertight plug connection or a watertight snap connection or to each other to form a watertight releasable plug connection or to form a watertight releasable snap connection.

In step A, the soil to be irrigated is split up into a plurality of soil areas with equal area sizes or with substantially equal area sizes. According to the invention, surface sizes are to be understood here to mean surface areas which are substantially equal in size and which do not differ from one another by more than 30%, preferably 15%. This means that the largest floor area is a maximum of 30%, or a maximum of 15% larger than the smallest floor area.

In step B, the soil moisture measuring device is arranged in a measuring position for measuring the soil moisture of a first floor area of the floor areas, or in step B the humidity sensor of the soil moisture measuring device is brought into contact with a first of the floor areas or with the ground of a first one floor area. In the case of the sensor or moisture sensor of the soil moisture measuring device-the electrical measurement signal of which is transformed by measuring circuits and measuring amplifiers of the soil moisture measuring device into a usable analog measuring signal or can be deformed-it can be, in particular, a capacitive humidity sensor or a resistive humidity sensor. Preferably, the soil moisture meter is a digital soil moisture meter with a digital-to-analog converter, which converts the analog measurement signal into a digital measurement signal.

In step G, the soil moisture is measured by the soil moisture meter to provide a soil moisture reading. The measurement can be carried out in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Thus, the measurement can be carried out continuously or with measurement pauses between individual measurements, in which case each of the measurements can then be carried out for a predetermined period of time.

The first soil moisture value given in step H is a value at or below which the first soil area to be irrigated is to be irrigated, in order to prevent unwanted drying or undesired death of plants, e.g. the grass stalks of a lawn, to avoid further subsidence below this soil moisture value.

The second soil moisture value specified in step I is a value at which, or when exceeded, the irrigation of the first soil area is to be ended, since further irrigation may result in over-irrigation or excessive irrigation, which likewise causes undesired death of Plants, such as the blade of grass on a lawn.

In step C, the detection of the valve state of all valves of the piping system to subsequently in step D, if it follows after performing step C, that there is at least one valve in the open valve state, the at least one valve in the closed valve state or subsequently in step D, if, after execution of step C, it is shown that a valve is in the open valve state or that a plurality of valves are in the opened valve state, the valve or valves are to be brought into the closed valve state.

Steps C and D may be e.g. when using readable digital valves or when using readable digital hydraulic valves by means of a control device advantageously also be made automated.

The steps L and M are used to irrigate a next floor area or a respective next floor area, wherein the irrigation is based on the specified in step K irrigation period. The step N comprises the repetition of the steps K, L and M or K to M until all bottom areas (see also step A) are watered or in step N the steps K to M are repeated until all ground areas are irrigated. Example: Assuming that in step A the soil to be irrigated divided into three floor areas, the steps K to M would have to be repeated once in step N, resulting in the following sequence: second floor area: Take steps K, L and M third floor area: Take steps K, L and M

Of course, the number of floor areas in which the floor to be watered is divided in step A is not limited to three floor areas. In step A, the soil to be irrigated can be divided into any number of ground areas, wherein in step A, a division into three, four or five ground areas with equal area sizes or substantially equal area sizes is particularly preferred.
The soil to be irrigated may in particular be a turf or an arable soil.

It is understood that by naming the steps with the letters A to N no binding to a temporal order is to be understood. Thus, steps C and D may also be performed prior to steps A and B, wherein step B is to be performed after step A and step D is performed after step C. The steps E, F and H to N are sequentially performed after the steps A to D. Step G may be performed throughout the procedure, but may be completed after step I.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the duration of irrigation specified in step K corresponds to the duration of irrigation determined in step J or this preferred embodiment of the inventive method corresponds to the duration of irrigation specified in step K essentially corresponding to the duration of irrigation determined in step J. This procedure is particularly suitable when due to the weather is not expected with strongly fluctuating solar radiation, so that the set or determined in step J on the basis of moisture measurements irrigation also suitable for a next or further irrigated soil area irrigation time is.

Particularly preferably, the steps G to N are carried out exclusively within at least one predetermined time of day window. Depending on the user request, it may be preferable to exclude a period of time or certain periods of a day from irrigation. So it can be e.g. be desired not to water during the afternoon to avoid "burning" of plants by the lens effect, so that in this example at the time of day window or the time of day windows the afternoon time would have to be excluded.

In a practical embodiment of the method according to the invention, the valves for transferring between the closed valve state and the opened valve state are controllable by a digital control signal of a control device or a control unit, wherein each valve is arranged, after receiving a digital interrogation signal of the control device information about the present Issue the valve state as a digital value, (this information in existing data-conducting connection and / or signal-conducting connection and / or signal-transmitting connection between the control device and the respective valve of the control device can be transmitted), wherein the soil moisture meter is a digital soil moisture meter, the is set up to output a measured soil moisture as a digital measuring signal on receipt of a digital interrogation signal of the control device (this digital measuring signal being conductive in the event of existing data he connection and / or signal-conducting connection and / or signal-transmitting connection between the control device and the soil moisture measuring device of the control device can be transmitted), wherein at least the steps C and D and G to N are carried out automatically by the control device or made for this purpose is connected to each of the valves and the digital soil moisture meter before the execution of steps C and D and G to N data-conducting and / or signal-conducting and / or signal-transmitting.

It goes without saying that the control device is set up for the technical realization of the automated execution of steps C and D and G to N and in particular is configured to transmit interrogation signals for the subsequent reception of measured soil moisture measurement values to the digital soil moisture measuring device To transmit interrogation signals for subsequent receipt of information on the present valve state to each valve and to each digital valve and to transmit digital control signals for transferring each of the valves between the closed valve state and the open valve state to each of the valves , It is further understood that in this practical embodiment of the method according to the invention in the valves or in the hydraulic valves are preferably digital valves or digital hydraulic valves, which are controlled as such for transferring between the closed valve state and the open valve state of a digital control signal of a control device and are arranged to output information on the present valve state as a digital value or as a digital signal after receiving a digital interrogation signal of the control device.

The control device or the control unit may have a conventional shape known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the control means may e.g. in the form of a controller, in the form of an electronic component or in the form of a computer.

The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, during execution of the program by a control unit or a computer, initiate at least steps (C) and (D) and (G) to (N) of the invention Perform or execute process. In particular, by the use of this computer program product, the object of the invention to reduce the cost of successive irrigation of multiple floor areas, can be solved, as is already apparent from the above, in particular with respect to the steps (G) to (N). This computer program product can be read into a corresponding memory or control memory of the above control device or of a computer, so that during the execution of the program by the control device or the computer this / these is caused, at least steps (C) and (D) and (G) to execute (N).

It goes without saying that, for execution of at least steps (C) and (D) and (G) to (N), by means of the control device, each valve is configured to execute information upon receipt of a digital interrogation signal from the control device to output the present valve state as a digital value (this information being able to be transmitted to the control device when there is an existing data-conducting connection and / or signal-conducting connection and / or signal-transmitting connection between the control device and the respective valve). Furthermore, it is understood that for carrying out or carrying out at least steps (C) and (D) and (G) to (N) by means of the control device executing the program - or the commands of the computer program product - the soil moisture meter preferred digital soil moisture measuring device, which is set up to output a measured soil moisture as a digital measurement signal upon receipt of a digital interrogation signal of the control device (this measurement signal with existing data-conducting connection and / or signal-conducting connection and / or signal-transmitting connection between the control device and the soil moisture meter the control device is transmitted). It is further understood here that the control device for carrying out or carrying out at least steps (C) and (D) and (G) to (N) with each of the valves or digital valves and the digital soil moisture meter data-conducting and / or signal-conducting and / or signal-transmitting is to be connected or data-conducting and / or signal-conducting and / or signal-transmitting connected.

The invention also relates to a data carrier on which the above computer program product is stored.

list of figures

• 1 eine sehr schematische Darstellung eines zu bewässernden Bodens, eines Leitungssystems, einer Steuereinrichtung, mehrerer wasserleitender Bewässerungseinrichtungen und eines Bodenfeuchte-Messgeräts.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing shows:

• 1 a very schematic representation of a ground to be irrigated, a pipe system, a control device, several water-conducting irrigation equipment and a soil moisture meter.

Here on the basis of 1 illustrated embodiment of a method according to the invention is a method for irrigating a soil 10 by means of a pipe system 12 and a soil moisture meter 14 with a humidity sensor 16 (only very schematically represented by a horizontal line). A control device 28 serves the automated implementation of process steps.

The pipe system 12 has several (three) flow paths including the flow paths 18 . 19 . 21 on. The pipe system 12 points to each of the flow paths 18 . 19 . 21 one valve each 20 or in each case a hydraulic valve 20 on that, to block or release the respective flow path 18 . 19 . 21 between a closed valve state and an open valve state is feasible (in 1 are the valve states very schematically illustrated by vertical and horizontal lines, respectively). The pipe system 12 has a basic body 34 in the form of a distributor 34 on, in which the flow paths 18 . 19 . 21 are formed in the form of trained lines. Each of the flow paths 18 . 19 . 21 extends from a port 36 of the pipe system 12 for connection to an inflow fitting 38 a source of water 26 , wherein the inflow fitting 38 in the form of a standard faucet 38 is trained. Until the junction are the flow paths 18 . 19 . 21 identical or share a common line section.

1. (A) Aufteilen des zu bewässernden Bodens 10 in mehrere (drei) Bodenbereiche 22, 23, 25 mit gleichgroßen Flächengrößen,
2. (B) Anordnen des Bodenfeuchte-Messgeräts 14 in einer Messposition zum Messen der Bodenfeuchte eines ersten Bodenbereichs 22 der Bodenbereiche 22, 23, 25, wobei hierbei der Feuchtesensor 16 des Bodenfeuchte-Messgeräts 14 mit dem ersten Bodenbereich 22 in einen für die Messung erforderlichen Kontakt gebracht wird,
3. (C) Erfassen des Ventilzustands aller Ventile 20 des Leitungssystems 12,
4. (D) sofern sich nach Ausführen des Schritts C ergibt, dass sich wenigstens ein Ventil 20 im geöffneten Ventilzustand befindet, Überführen des wenigstens einen Ventils 20 in den geschlossenen Ventilzustand (Oder in anderen Worten: sofern sich nach Ausführen des Schritts C ergibt, dass sich ein oder mehrere Ventile 20 im geöffneten Ventilzustand befindet/befinden, Überführen des einen Ventils 20 oder der Ventile 20 in den geschlossenen Ventilzustand,
5. (E) Herstellen einer wasserleitenden Verbindung eines jeden der Strömungswege 18, 19, 21 mit jeweils einer wasserleitenden Bewässerungseinrichtung 24, die für die Bewässerung jeweils eines Bodenbereichs 22, 23, 25 vorgesehen ist,
6. (F) Beaufschlagen aller Strömungswege 18, 19, 21 des Leitungssystems 12 mit einem Wasserdruck der Wasserquelle 26, so dass jeder Strömungsweg 18, 19, 21 durch Überführen seines Ventils 20 in den geöffneten Ventilzustand mit Wasser der Wasserquelle 26 durchströmbar ist,
7. (G) Messen der Bodenfeuchte mittels des Bodenfeuchte-Messgeräts 14,
8. (H) Bewässern des ersten Bodenbereichs 22 über einen ersten Strömungsweg 18 der Strömungswege und die mit diesem Strömungsweg 18 wasserleitend verbundene Bewässerungseinrichtung 24 durch Überführen des Ventils 20 des ersten Strömungswegs 18 in den geöffneten Ventilzustand zu einem Zeitpunkt, bei dem der gemessene Bodenfeuchte-Messwert kleiner oder gleich einem vorgegebenen ersten Bodenfeuchte-Wert ist,
9. (I) Beenden der Bewässerung des ersten Bodenbereichs 22 zu einem Zeitpunkt, bei dem der gemessene Bodenfeuchte-Messwert größer oder gleich einem zweiten vorgegebenen Bodenfeuchte-Wert ist, der größer als der erste Bodenfeuchte-Wert ist, wobei die Bewässerung durch Überführen des Ventils 20 des ersten Strömungswegs 18 in den geschlossenen Ventilzustand beendet wird,
10. (J) Ermitteln der für den ersten Bodenbereich 22 aufgewendeten Bewässerungsdauer aus dem zeitlichen Abstand der Zeitpunkte in Schritt H und I,
11. (K) Vorgeben einer für einen nächsten Bodenbereich 23, 25 vorgesehenen Bewässerungsdauer, die der in Schritt J ermittelten Bewässerungsdauer entspricht,
12. (L) Bewässern des nächsten Bodenbereichs 23, 25 durch Überführen des Ventils des Strömungswegs 19, 21, der mit der Bewässerungseinrichtung 24 zur Bewässerung des nächsten Bodenbereichs 23, 25 in wasserleitender Verbindung steht, in den geöffneten Ventilzustand,
13. (M) Beenden der Bewässerung des nächsten Bodenbereichs 23, 25 nach Ablauf der in Schritt K vorgegebenen Bewässerungsdauer durch Überführen des Ventils 20 des Strömungswegs 19, 21, der mit der Bewässerungseinrichtung 24 zur Bewässerung des nächsten Bodenbereichs 22 in wasserleitender Verbindung steht, in den geschlossenen Ventilzustand, und
14. (N) Wiederholen der Schritte K, L, und M bis alle Bodenbereiche 22, 23, 25 bewässert sind, wobei bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel hierfür ein einmaliges Wiederholen der Schritte K, L, und M erforderlich ist.

The method comprises the following steps:

1. (A) Splitting the soil to be irrigated 10 into several (three) floor areas 22 . 23 . 25 with equal area sizes,
2. (B) Arranging the Soil Moisture Meter 14 in a measuring position for measuring the soil moisture of a first floor area 22 the floor areas 22 . 23 . 25 , in which case the moisture sensor 16 the soil moisture meter 14 with the first floor area 22 is brought into a contact required for the measurement,
3. (C) Detecting the valve state of all valves 20 of the pipe system 12 .
4. (D) if it follows after performing step C, that at least one valve 20 is in the open valve state, transferring the at least one valve 20 in the closed valve state (or in other words: if it follows after performing step C, that one or more valves 20 located in the open valve state, transfer one valve 20 or the valves 20 in the closed valve state,
5. (E) establishing a water-conducting connection of each of the flow paths 18 . 19 . 21 each with a water-conducting irrigation device 24 for irrigation of each one floor area 22 . 23 . 25 is provided,
6. (F) applying all flow paths 18 . 19 . 21 of the pipe system 12 with a water pressure of the water source 26 so every flowpath 18 . 19 . 21 by transferring his valve 20 in the open valve state with water of the water source 26 can be flowed through,
7. (G) Measuring the soil moisture by means of the soil moisture meter 14 .
8. (H) watering the first floor area 22 via a first flow path 18 the flow paths and with this flow path 18 Water-connected irrigation device 24 by transferring the valve 20 of the first flow path 18 in the opened valve state at a time at which the measured soil moisture measurement value is less than or equal to a predetermined first soil moisture value,
9. (I) Stop watering the first floor area 22 at a time when the measured soil moisture reading is greater than or equal to a second predetermined soil moisture value greater than the first soil moisture value, wherein the irrigation is accomplished by transferring the valve 20 of the first flow path 18 is terminated in the closed valve state,
10. (J) Determine the for the first floor area 22 spent irrigation time from the time interval of the times in step H and I,
11. (K) Specify one for a next floor area 23 . 25 intended irrigation period, which corresponds to the irrigation time determined in step J,
12. (L) watering the next floor area 23 . 25 by transferring the valve of the flow path 19 . 21 who with the watering device 24 for watering the next floor area 23 . 25 is in water-conducting connection, in the open valve state,
13. (M) Stop watering the next floor area 23 . 25 after expiration of the specified in step K irrigation time by transferring the valve 20 of the flow path 19 . 21 that with the irrigation device 24 for watering the next floor area 22 is in water-conducting connection, in the closed valve state, and
14. (N) Repeat steps K, L, and M to all floor areas 22 . 23 . 25 irrigated, in this embodiment, a single repetition of the steps K, L, and M is required for this purpose.

The 1 illustrates the situation during the irrigation of the ground area 23 (or the next floor area 23 ) having an irrigation time corresponding to the irrigation time determined in step J. This is the valve 20 of the flow path 19 that with the irrigation device 24 for watering the next floor area 23 is in water-conducting connection, in the open valve state. The other valves 20 are in this situation in the closed valve state. In 1 is the water-conducting compound (see step E) of the respective irrigation device 24 to the respective flow path 18 . 19 . 21 realized by a non-illustrated waterproof connector.

Each of the irrigation facilities 24 includes a hose 40 and one with an end portion of the hose 40 water-conductive sprinkler 42 , Alternatively, any irrigation device 24 also have more sprinklers. So could any irrigation device 24 eg also have three sprinklers.

For applying all flow paths 18 . 19 . 21 of the pipe system 12 with the water pressure of the water source 26 according to step F became the piping system 12 over the connection 36 to the tap 38 connected and thereafter the faucet 38 open.

In the method illustrated herein, steps G through N are performed exclusively within two time-of-day windows, with the first time-of-day window including the time between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm and the second time-of-day window the time between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

At the valves 20 these are digital valves 20 or to digitally controllable valves 20 which for transferring between the closed valve state and the opened valve state of a digital control signal (see 30 ) of the control device 28 are controllable. Each of the valves 20 is set up after receipt of a digital interrogation signal of the control device 28 output information on the present valve state as a digital value or as a digital signal (see the signal path shown schematically in the form of a double arrow 32 ), wherein this information in the case of an existing data-conducting connection - or in the case of an existing signal-conducting or signal-transmitting connection - between the control device 28 and the respective valve 20 the control device 28 is transmitted.

The soil moisture meter 14 is a digital soil moisture meter 14 , which is set up upon receipt of a digital interrogation signal (compare the signal path shown schematically in the form of a double arrow) 32 ) of the control device 28 output a measured soil moisture as a digital measurement signal, said digital measurement signal at existing signal-conducting connection - or at existing data-conducting or existing signal-transmitting connection - between the control device 28 and the soil moisture meter 14 the control device 28 is transmitted.

Steps C and D and G to N are performed by the controller 28 automated with this, with each of the valves 20 and the Digital Soil Moisture Meter 14 is connected before the execution of steps C and D and G to N data-conducting or signal-conducting or signal-transmitting.

A computer program product is also provided which includes instructions that are executed by the control device during the execution of the program 28 these cause steps C and D and G to N to execute. For this purpose, this computer program product can be read into a memory provided for this purpose or control memory of the control device. The computer program product is stored on a data carrier, not shown, and can be read from this in the main memory of the controller.

The control device 28 is formed in this embodiment in the form of a controller.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

ground

12

line system

14

Soil moisture meter

16

humidity sensor

18

flow

19

flow

20

Valve

21

flow

22

floor area

23

floor area

24

watering device

25

floor area

26

water source

28

control device

30

pathway

32

pathway

34

body

36

connection

38

inflow valve

40

tube

42

sprinkler

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2009/0276102 A1 [0002]
• WO 2005/074439 A2 [0002]
• EP 2196084 A2 [0002]
• DE 3238073 A1 [0002]

Claims (8)

A method for irrigating a soil (10) by means of a conduit system (12) and at least a soil moisture meter (14), wherein the conduit system (12) a plurality of flow paths (18, 19, 21), wherein the conduit system (12) for each flow path (18, 19, 21) each comprise a valve (20) which is transferable to block or release the respective flow path (18) between a closed valve state and an open valve state, the method comprising the steps of: (A) splitting the ground (10) to be irrigated into a plurality of ground areas (22, 23, 25) with surface areas deviating from one another by a maximum of 30%, preferably a maximum of 15%, in particular a maximum of 10%, (B) placing the soil moisture measuring device (14) in a measuring position for measuring the soil moisture of a first floor area (22) of the floor areas (22, 23, 25), (C) detecting the valve state of all valves (20) of the piping system (12), (D) if, after execution of step C, that at least one valve (20) is in the open valve state, transferring the at least one valve (20) into the closed valve state, (E) establishing a water-conducting connection of each of the flow paths (18, 19, 21) each having a water-conducting irrigation device (24), which is provided for the irrigation of a respective bottom region (22, 23, 25), (F) applying to all the flow paths (18, 19, 21) of the conduit system (12) with a water pressure of a water source (26), so that each flow path (18, 19, 21) by transferring its valve (20) in the open valve state with Water of the water source (26) can be flowed through, (G) measuring the soil moisture by means of the soil moisture measuring device (14), (H) watering the first bottom region (22) via a first (18) of the flow paths (18, 19, 21) and the irrigation device (24) connected to this flow path (18) by transferring the valve (20) of the first flow path ( 18) in the open valve state at a time at which the measured soil moisture measurement value is less than or equal to a predetermined first soil moisture value, (I) terminating the irrigation of the first soil area (22) at a time when the measured soil moisture reading is greater than or equal to a second predetermined soil moisture level greater than the first soil moisture level, the irrigation being accomplished by transferring the soil moisture Valve (20) of the first flow path (18) is terminated in the closed valve state, (J) determining the duration of the irrigation time used for the first ground area (22) from the time interval of the times in steps (H) and (I), (K) predetermine a duration of irrigation intended for a next floor area (23, 25) which is between 0.8 times to 1.2 times the duration of irrigation determined in step (J), (L) watering the next bottom portion (23, 25) by transferring the valve of the flow path (19, 21) in water communication with the irrigation means (24) for irrigating the next bottom portion (23, 25) to the opened valve condition . (M) terminating the irrigation of the next bottom area (23, 25) after the expiration of the predetermined in step (K) irrigation time by transferring the valve (20) of the flow path (19, 21) with the irrigation device (24) for irrigating the next Floor area (23, 25) is in water-conducting connection, in the closed valve state, and (N) repeating steps (K), (L), and (M) until all bottom portions (22, 23, 25) are watered. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the predetermined in step (K) irrigation time is longer than the irrigation time of the previously irrigated soil area (22, 23), when the irradiance of the solar radiation to the next floor area (23, 25) is greater than the irradiance of the solar radiation which acted on it during the irrigation of the previously irrigated soil area (22, 23). Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that in step (K) predetermined irrigation duration of the determined in step (J) irrigation time corresponds. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the predetermined in step (K) irrigation time is between 0.9 times to 1.1 times the determined in step (J) irrigation time. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steps (G) to (N) are carried out exclusively within at least one predetermined time of day window. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valves (20) for transferring between the closed valve state and the opened valve state are controllable by a digital control signal of a control device (28), wherein each valve (20) is arranged after receipt of a digital query signal of the control device (28) output information about the present valve state as a digital value, the soil moisture meter (14) is a digital soil moisture meter (14), which is adapted upon receipt of a digital interrogation signal of the control device (28) output a measured soil moisture as a digital measurement signal, wherein at least the steps (C) and (D) and (G) to (N) are carried out automatically by the control device which for this purpose with each of the valves (20) and the digital soil moisture measuring device ( 14) before the execution of steps (C) and (D) and (G) to (N) data-conducting and / or is connected signal-conducting. A computer program product comprising instructions which, upon execution of the program by a controller (28), cause at least steps (C) and (D) and (G) to (N) of the method of any one of Claims 1 to 6 perform. Disk on the a computer program product Claim 7 is stored.

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