Smart irrigation with MIYO

Proper watering is the basis for a healthy and thriving garden.

Here are the tips from MIYO:

• Water like nature: deeply, but more infrequently and irregularly. This stimulates root growth and helps the plants to become strong and resistant to drought.
• When is the best time to water? Watering early in the morning, before it gets too hot, reduces water loss through evaporation. Afternoon is also an option. Avoid watering in the evening or at night, as long periods of moisture on leaves can promote the growth of fungal diseases.
• The key to a healthy garden is proper soil moisture. Not too dry, but not too wet for extended periods of time. You should avoid overwatering at all costs, as this leads to soil compaction and valuable nutrients are washed out. Timed irrigation must therefore be continuously adjusted to seasonal and weather conditions.

How to control your irrigation with MIYO

• MIYO is based on the most important parameter of irrigation: soil moisture. In addition, you can enter time windows within which watering can take place if the soil requires it. In the irrigation settings you can set the lower and upper limits of moisture. To achieve natural variations and save water, be sure to set the moisture limits far enough apart. It is usually not necessary to irrigate every day.
• To save water, it is best to plant plants with similar water needs in one area. The sensor should be placed in a representative location of this area. Targeted watering e.g. drip irrigation is more economical than watering large areas e.g. with sprinklers. Irrigation should be designed so that the area is supplied evenly.
• Use mulch: Adding a layer of mulch around your plants will help conserve soil moisture by reducing evaporation. Mulch also helps suppress weed growth, regulate soil temperature and improve soil structure in the long run.
• MIYO is the best guarantee for an optimal water supply of your garden and for the avoidance of overwatering. Adjustments to the growth phases of the plants or observations of plant health are easily done on the cell phone.

The consequences of overwatering

Excessive watering or waterlogging in the soil has negative effects 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 perform important metabolic processes. Waterlogging limits the availability of oxygen, which leads to root suffocation and impairs root function.
• Root rot and diseases: Excess moisture creates a favorable environment for the growth of pathogens such as fungi, bacteria and molds. 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 deplete the soil of important nutrients. When excess water flows quickly through the soil, nutrients are carried away and are no longer available to plants. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and have a negative impact on plant growth.
• Reduced plant vitality: Waterlogging stresses 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: Excessive watering can contribute to soil compaction. When soil particles become saturated and compacted, the pore space necessary for proper 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 promote weed growth. Weeds are often opportunistic and thrive in moist conditions. Too much water provides the ideal environment for them to compete with garden plants for resources such as sunlight, water and nutrients.
• Environmental impact: Overuse of water for irrigation, especially in regions with water scarcity, 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 regularly monitor soil moisture. For a healthy ecosystem in the garden, it is important to strike a balance between providing enough water for the plants and avoiding excessive moisture.