Timer only
The same interval does not mean the same conditions
Irrigation starts at the same hour on clear and cloudy days even though transpiration rates differ. Substrate moisture can therefore drift away from the agronomist’s chosen strategy.
Data-driven irrigation
Solar-radiation irrigation automation
Gros.farm schedules irrigation from the radiation actually accumulated: the threshold is reached faster on clear days and more slowly on cloudy ones. The agronomist sets the dose, time windows and constraints, while the local node executes the schedule.
- For substrates and soil-grown crops
- Water dose in ml/m² with flow calibration
- Backup schedule on the local node
Radiation-based irrigation
Solar-radiation irrigation automation
Until next irrigation45 / 120 J/cm²
Water today0.85 l/m²
Solar radiation
Water dose by zone
Start history
Local execution
Irrigation in step with the crop
Schedule irrigation by accumulated radiation, not only by the clock
Solar radiation is a major driver of transpiration. The faster it accumulates, the sooner the next irrigation is needed. A time-only schedule misses this difference and requires constant manual adjustment.
Radiation-based irrigation
Frequency follows the rate of radiation accumulation
Gros.farm tracks the accumulated total and schedules the next irrigation when the threshold is reached. The agronomist sets the threshold, dose, time windows and minimum pause.
Three modes in one plan
Core cycles, fixed slots and a backup schedule
One daily plan can combine radiation-based irrigation, starts at fixed times and an autonomous scenario for loss of data or connectivity.
Core irrigation by radiation total
The next irrigation is scheduled when the set threshold is reached, subject to the minimum pause between starts.
Frequency follows the rate of radiation accumulationIrrigation at fixed times
Exact times remain available for operations that must start at a specific moment regardless of radiation total.
For scheduled time-based startsOn-site backup schedule
A predefined scenario is stored on the local node and activates if connectivity or a data source is lost.
Irrigation does not depend on a constant cloud connectionMorning technical irrigation
Choose the best moment for the first irrigation from environmental conditions
After the night, the crop is not ready for active water uptake simply because a set time has arrived. Radiation, VPD and root-zone temperature change through the morning as the plant moves into daytime water exchange.
Gros.farm uses these readings as available indicators of crop readiness for water uptake. This lets the agronomist connect plant biology to automation, choose a grounded start time and reduce the risk of irrigating too early or causing stress.
Solar radiation
Shows the start of light load and helps identify the crop’s transition to daytime mode.
VPD
Calculated from air temperature and humidity, it reflects potential transpiration demand.
Substrate temperature
When a sensor is available, it helps account for root-zone condition before the first irrigation.
- 01
Receives temperature and humidity
Data comes from the air sensor, after which the system calculates current VPD.
- 02
Checks the root zone
If installed, substrate temperature is added to the start condition.
- 03
Compares agronomist settings
The system checks radiation, VPD, substrate temperature, allowed window and other constraints.
- 04
Executes technical irrigation
When the configured combination is met, the local node delivers a separate morning water dose.
A new count after technical irrigation
After the first morning irrigation, the accumulated-radiation counter restarts. Each subsequent threshold creates the next irrigation and starts another accumulation cycle.
Different root-zone media
Use one logic for rockwool, coir, peat or soil
The accumulated-radiation principle stays the same, but the threshold, water dose, minimum pause and need for technical irrigation depend on water-holding capacity, root-zone volume and the agronomist’s strategy.
Low-volume and container substrates
In a limited root zone, irrigation is usually more frequent, making the exact morning start, each cycle’s dose and the minimum pause especially important.
- rockwool
- coir
- peat and peat mixes
- perlite and other inert mixes
Soil with its own moisture reserve
Higher water-holding capacity allows a larger interval threshold. Technical irrigation can be disabled while keeping starts based on accumulated radiation.
- open-field and protected soil
- separate rules for each zone
- radiation may accumulate for more than one day
Soil scenarioThe radiation threshold may accumulate over several days
When soil holds enough moisture, technical irrigation can be disabled. On a cloudy day the radiation total may not reach the threshold, so irrigation does not start and accumulation continues the next day.
Transparent algorithm
From sensor reading to valve opening, through clear rules
Automation does not replace agronomic strategy. It applies the specialist’s settings precisely and keeps the data used to calculate every irrigation.
- 01
Counts accumulated radiation
Gros.farm receives radiation-sensor readings or calculates the accumulated total from irradiance data.
- 02
Applies period constraints
Each period has its own threshold, time window, water dose and minimum pause between irrigations.
- 03
Prepares the next irrigation
When the threshold is reached, the system converts the dose into runtime and sends the interval to the local node.
- 04
Stores plan and actual
Start time, water dose and calculation conditions remain in history, and radiation accumulation restarts.
The agronomist’s workspace
See not only the schedule, but the reason for every irrigation
One screen shows the conditions for morning technical irrigation, accumulated radiation, the remaining amount to the threshold, planned dose and completed irrigation by zone.
- how much radiation has accumulated and how much remains to the threshold;
- when technical irrigation and radiation-based cycles are scheduled;
- how much water was planned and actually delivered in each zone.
Today · Greenhouse 1Irrigation plan
Node onlineRadiation today405 J/cm²
Until next start75 J/cm²
Water delivered0.85 l/m²
Technical irrigation100 ml/m²
Radiation-based irrigation250 ml/m²
Radiation-based irrigation250 ml/m²
Zone calibration
Test run250 mlin 4 minutes · one outlet
Actual flow62.5 ml/minfor runtime calculation
Actual water delivery
Convert the agronomic dose into real equipment runtime
The same valve-open time can deliver different volumes in different zones. A test run links the dose in ml/m² to actual emitter flow and equipment runtime.
- 1
Collect water from a typical emitter for a known time.
- 2
Enter the measured volume and the number of emitters per square metre.
- 3
Gros.farm calculates actual flow and converts the dose into irrigation duration.
On-site reliability
The cloud plans. The local loop executes
Gros.farm links the irrigation strategy to the crop, stage and site data. Local automation controls pumps and valves, and the node continues on its backup schedule if connectivity is lost.
Links settings to the crop and stage
Receives data, applies the agronomist’s thresholds and doses, calculates upcoming irrigation and sends the ready schedule to the local node.
Executes irrigation and protects the process
Controls on-site pumps and valves. If connectivity or data fails, it switches to the preconfigured Safety backup schedule.
What you need to start
Add radiation-based irrigation without replacing working automation
You need radiation data, a compatible local node and the agronomist’s rules. The exact integration depends on the equipment already installed at the farm.
Radiation data
Radiation or irradiance sensor readings from which the system calculates the accumulated total.
Local control node
It receives calculated intervals and physically controls connected pumps, valves and dosing.
Agronomist’s strategy
Threshold, dose, periods, minimum intervals and backup schedule are configured for the crop, stage and zone.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about irrigation automation
What does “irrigation by accumulated solar radiation” mean?
A sensor reports current solar radiation and Gros.farm accumulates it over time. When the energy reaches the threshold and the minimum pause has passed, the system schedules the next irrigation. The counter resets after the start and a new accumulation cycle begins. Pumps and valves are activated by the local node.
Which substrates support radiation-based irrigation?
The mode can be configured for rockwool, coir, peat and peat mixes, perlite, other inert mixes and soil-grown crops. The agronomist sets thresholds, doses, pauses and the need for technical irrigation for each zone.
Does Gros.farm replace an irrigation controller or climate computer?
No. Gros.farm connects rules and schedules to the crop, stage and site data. Local controllers operate the equipment, while the critical loop and backup scenarios remain on site.
What happens if the internet connection is lost?
The local node continues with its configuration and preconfigured Safety backup schedule. A constant cloud connection is not required to execute the protective scenario.
Is a separate accumulated-radiation sensor required?
Not necessarily. Gros.farm can receive a ready accumulated total or calculate it from a compatible irradiance sensor. The exact source and connection method depend on the site’s equipment.
Can irrigation run on a regular schedule?
Yes. SLOTS mode defines an exact start time and a dose by volume or duration. It can be combined with RADIATION mode in one daily plan.
How is morning technical irrigation configured?
The system receives air temperature and humidity, calculates VPD and, when available, considers substrate temperature, then compares them with the agronomist’s settings. When conditions are met, the local node starts a separate morning dose. After technical irrigation the radiation counter starts a new cycle. This start can be disabled for soil.
Who sets the water dose and radiation threshold?
The agronomist sets them for a specific crop, stage and zone. The threshold is not universal or permanent; it is reviewed as plants develop and the growing strategy changes. Gros.farm applies the configured rules but does not make the agronomic decision instead of the specialist.
Do soil-grown crops need irrigation every day?
Not necessarily. If the soil holds enough moisture, a higher threshold can be set and technical irrigation disabled. On a cloudy day the required radiation total may not accumulate, so the counter continues the next day and irrigation starts only when the threshold is reached.
Is a flow meter required for a dose in ml/m²?
Not necessarily. Delivery can be calibrated with a test run: measure the volume from a typical emitter, enter the duration and number of emitters per square metre.
Can an existing automatic irrigation system be connected?
Yes, if a compatible local loop and data source are available. Integration depends on the installed equipment, so it is best assessed during a demo or technical consultation.
Next step
See how to connect agronomic strategy to your current automation
Using one zone, we will review the radiation source, periods, thresholds, doses, minimum intervals and backup schedule.