Evaluation of an automated irrigation system for frost protection

An automated system that uses sprinkler irrigation to protect crops from frost was tested on a strawberry planting during fall frosts. The automated system used a microcomputer to monitor environmental conditions within and external to the crop canopy, determined when and how much water to apply, and controlled the irrigation system in order to adequately protect the crop. Results show that the system was effective for both protecting the crop from cold-weather damage and reducing the quantity of water used when compared to conventional approaches. The automated system used 76% less water than a conventional system during a mild frost event and 25% less during a severe frost event.