At other times, conventional irrigation will simply not be applying enough water. This will tend to occur during potential peak growth periods. If water was available at such times, extra production could be achieved. Intelligent Irrigation will give much wider variation in irrigation application rates, depending on the needs of the plant. The conventional system has consistent application of water, but moisture content varies significantly.
Intelligent Irrigation gives a constant moisture content with wider variations in applied water.
The key difference is the higher moisture content in the critical peak growth periods. Intelligent Irrigation is not simply about adding water to the soil. It is about maintaining the correct balance of water, nutrients and air in the root zone giving optimum growth. Plants will naturally seek water and nutrients from near the surface where nutrients and air are readily available. Roots need oxygen and also expel carbon dioxide and therefore need access to the air.