Toro Introduces the Precision™ Soil Sensor
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (January 18, 2012) - The Toro Company introduces the next generation in Precision™ Irrigation solutions with the Precision™ Soil Sensor. Leveraging the same Toro sensing technology used on high-end commercial sites and world-class golf courses around the globe, the Toro Precision Soil Sensor continuously measures moisture levels in the soil and determines when to allow the irrigation controller to water, maximizing the efficiency of your irrigation system.
There are two “wireless” components to the system - a receiver that hooks up to the irrigation controller, and a sensor that installs in the ground. Once installed, the sensor calibrates itself automatically to determine the soil type. Any time the moisture level exceeds the user-defined optimum level for the plant material, the controller is prevented from running any irrigation programs. This prevents unneeded watering and provides the possibility for significant water savings.
Communication between the sensor probe and the receiver is completely wireless, with an operating range of up to 500 feet. Installation doesn't require any digging so the soil is left undisturbed, allowing the sensor to take accurate moisture readings starting as soon as it's put in the ground.
“What's especially great about this product is that it will work with almost any irrigation controller, including non-Toro models,” said Peter Lackner, associate product manager for Toro Residential/ Commercial Controllers. “You can easily turn any controller into an extremely accurate smart controller in just a few minutes.”
The Precision Soil Sensor is also the first soil sensor to offer freeze detection, which prevents irrigation when temperatures approach freezing. Adjustments can be made from 35° to 45°F, and since the temperature sensor is located right at ground level, it's more accurate than even the best rain/freeze sensors on the market.
Full-Featured Probe Design
The sensor probe itself has a number of unique features:
- Extra-long, stainless-steel electrodes measure approximately five inches down into the soil's profile, allowing the sensor to monitor moisture levels throughout the entire root zone.
- A multi-color LED on the top of the sensor indicates radio signal strength for easy placement when installing the probe on your property.
- Standard alkaline batteries will last up to two years in the sensor, and are easily replaceable.
Over the last few years, Toro Irrigation has released several new Precision™ Irrigation technologies aimed at upgrading older systems for far less money than purchasing a new system. All Precision Irrigation technologies, including the award-winning Precision Series Spray and Rotating Nozzles, retrofit nearly all irrigation spray bodies with little to no disruption in the landscape.
For more information on Toro Precision Irrigation solutions, contact your local authorized Toro Irrigation distributor, call 877-345-8676, or visit www.toro.com.
About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems. With sales of nearly $1.9 billion in fiscal 2011, Toro's global presence extends to more than 90 countries through its reputation of world-class service, innovation and turf expertise. Since 1914, the company has built a tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. More information is available at www.toro.com.
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