PlantLife Online

Soil-moisture sensors hooked to sprinkler systems could put a huge dent in homeowners’ utility bills—and help conserve much-needed water, a new University of Florida study says.

Researcher Michael Dukes found that for three of four rain sensors tested, water savings ranged from 69 percent to 92 percent, compared to grass watered without the help of sensors.

“The savings turnaround could be pretty rapid,” said Dukes, an associate professor in the agricultural and biological engineering department, part of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

That’s partly because in recent years, soil-moisture sensors have become less expensive, smaller and more accurate, he said.

“The cost is changing rapidly. A few years back, a $400 list price and about $100 to install was common, but now we’re seeing products in the $100 to $200 range,” he said. A typical Florida yard would require one sensor, though larger landscapes would likely need more.

To get the biggest savings, the irrigation system and the sensors must be in good repair, well designed and properly installed, Dukes said.

Continue Reading @ http://news.ufl.edu/2007/11/13/water-sensors/

This is an older article but it has very good information that can help you save water and money.