The optimal irrigation with MIYO
Proper watering is the basis for a healthy and thriving garden.
Basics of Irrigation with MIYO
- Water like nature: deep, but less often and irregularly. This stimulates root growth and helps the plants become strong and resistant to drought.
- When is the best time to water? If you water early in the morning, before it gets too hot, you will reduce water loss through evaporation. The afternoon is also an option. Avoid watering in the evening or at night, as prolonged moisture on leaves can encourage the growth of fungal diseases.
- The key to a healthy garden is the right soil moisture. Not too dry, but not too wet for extended periods. You should definitely avoid overwatering, as this leads to soil compaction and valuable nutrients are washed out. Therefore, a timed irrigation system must be continuously adjusted to seasonal and weather conditions. Thus, we recommend using the MIYO moisture sensor in sensitive garden areas.
"This is how you control your intelligent irrigation with MIYO"
- "Divide your garden into irrigation zones. Areas with similar water needs can usually be grouped together in one zone. Later changes and reassignments of sensors and valves can be easily carried out with MIYO."
- To save water, it is best to plant plants with similar water needs in one area. The Sensor should be placed in a representative spot of this area. Targeted water supply, e.g., drip irrigation, is more economical than watering extensively, e.g., with sprinklers. The irrigation should be designed so that the area is supplied evenly.
- MIYO can water both purely time-controlled and with soil moisture measurement. Even when watering with soil moisture measurement through the Sensor, you can enter time windows during which watering can take place. In the watering settings, you can set the lower and upper limits of moisture. To achieve natural fluctuations and save water, make sure to set the moisture limits far enough apart. It usually does not need to be watered every day.
- The consideration of rain and rain forecast can be set optionally for both time-controlled and sensor-controlled circuits.
- You can adjust the irrigation to the water consumption of the plants in the irrigation settings of the circle in the MIYO app. There are no universally applicable guidelines; instead, the values must be determined individually for plants and gardens. In addition to the type of plants, factors such as location, sun orientation, wind exposure, type of planting, and soil quality of the garden should also be considered. The more drought-resistant a plant is, the lower the lower limit of the soil moisture measured by the MIYO Sensor can be set. With the numerous adjustment options, the intelligent MIYO irrigation can be equally well adapted for flowers and vegetables as well as for lawns and trees.
- Use mulch: Adding a layer of mulch around your plants helps conserve soil moisture by reducing evaporation. Mulch also helps suppress weed growth, regulate soil temperature and improve soil structure in the long term.
- MIYO is the best guarantee for optimal water supply to your garden and for preventing overwatering. Adjustments to the growth phases of the plants or observations of plant health can be easily done on your phone.
The consequences of overwatering
Excessive watering or waterlogging of the soil has a negative impact on plants and the entire garden ecosystem. Here are some of the most common consequences:
- Oxygen deficiency: When the soil is saturated with water for a long period of time, it displaces oxygen from the soil pores. Plant roots need oxygen to breathe and carry out important metabolic processes. Waterlogging limits the availability of oxygen, which causes roots to suffocate and impairs root function.
- Root Rot and Disease: Excessive moisture creates a favorable environment for the growth of pathogens such as fungi, bacteria and mold. Damaged roots are less able to absorb water and nutrients, resulting in stunted growth and an overall decline in plant health.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Overwatering can deprive the soil of important nutrients. When excess water flows quickly through the soil, nutrients are carried away and no longer available to plants. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and negatively impact plant growth.
- Lower plant vitality: Waterlogging stresses the plants and leads to reduced vitality and a weakened immune system. Affected plants may show symptoms such as yellowed leaves, wilting, stunted growth and general decline. They become more susceptible to pests and diseases.
- Soil Compaction: Overwatering can contribute to soil compaction. As soil particles become saturated and compacted, the pore space necessary for good aeration, water infiltration and root penetration is reduced. Compacted soil inhibits root development, restricts water movement and affects overall soil health.
- Increased Weed Growth: Overwatering can encourage weed growth. Weeds are often opportunistic and thrive in wet conditions. Too much water provides them with the ideal environment to compete with garden plants for resources such as sunlight, water and nutrients.
- Environmental Impact: Overuse of water for irrigation, particularly in water-stressed regions, can strain local water resources and is a form of water waste.
- To avoid the negative effects of overwatering and waterlogging, it is important to monitor soil moisture regularly. For a healthy garden ecosystem, it is important to strike a balance between providing plants with enough water and avoiding excess moisture.