Being a smart irrigator is important any time of year, but with a wetter-than-usual summer, Texans can take advantage of science-based tools to determine when to turn on the sprinklers.
In the article Less is more, experts explain the benefits of using Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Irrigation Technology Program, WaterMyYard.
First launched in 2013, the WaterMyYard web app uses automated weather stations and local evapotranspiration (ET) data to generate water recommendations specific to each user’s landscape. ET is a measure of how much water plants need to grow and remain healthy to avoid chronic overwatering.
According to the article, a survey found that WaterMyYard users who live within the program’s service areas found the most beneficial feature to be the weekly emails and text messages recommending when not to water. Service areas are sponsored by water districts, water utilities and cities that have purchased their own ET-based weather station.
To learn more, read the full article, Less is more, see an updated article about the WaterMyYard program via AgriLife Today and subscribe to txH2O for future publication updates.