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Soil Moisture Sensors: What They Are and When to Use Them

Water is one of your biggest investments, whether you’re managing crops, fairways, or large landscapes. This means that  moisture retention   is always going to be an important part of your process. You want to use every drop well, but guessing when to irrigate can cost you in yield, turf quality, or wasted water. Soil moisture sensors can give you the clear data you need to irrigate at the right time, with the right amount, and in the right places across your property. At Vanden Bussche Irrigation, we help farms, golf courses, and landscape professionals across Ontario integrate soil moisture sensors into their irrigation design so they can move from guesswork to informed decisions. Here’s what you need to know about how they work, where to use them, and how to turn sensor data into action. What Are Soil Moisture Sensors? Soil moisture sensors  measure the amount of water present in the soil. They work by detecting how much water is held in the soil particles, giving you...

Prevent Damage to Irrigation Equipment: Proper Spring Preparation

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Introduction Winter's harsh conditions can wreak havoc on even the most well-maintained irrigation systems. Frozen pipes, cracked components, and misaligned sprinkler heads are just a few of the issues that can arise. That's why, as temperatures warm and the growing season approaches, it’s essential to perform a thorough spring startup check, and necessary maintenance, on irrigation equipment.    This guide will walk you through the critical steps of preparing your irrigation equipment for spring, ensuring you avoid costly repairs, and that your irrigation equipment performs optimally. As a bonus, save our spring preparation checklist (at the bottom of this article) to refer back to later.    Pre-Start-Up Checks Before starting up your irrigation system for the spring, the weather is the first thing to consider. If the ground is still frozen, turning irrigation equipment on could damage components and lead to expensive repairs. To avoid this damage, wait until after ...

Common Post-Winter Issues in Irrigation Systems and How to Address Them

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  As the winter frost retreats and Ontario's landscapes begin to awaken, it's time to revive your   irrigation system . Perhaps you’ve already set up your irrigation system for the season. But, if you’re here, maybe it’s not working quite as you expected it to. There are a host of common issues that irrigation systems can face, even if it’s worked well for you year after year. In this article, we’ll dive into a few of them, from frozen pipes to electrical malfunctions. These problems can hinder your system's performance, lead to costly repairs, and even endanger your clean water supply.    Understanding the common culprits behind post-winter irrigation troubles is the first step towards a solution. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, a meticulous golf course superintendent, or a landscaping contractor or customer, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to troubleshoot and resolve these issues, ensuring your irrigation system is primed for ...