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University of Canberra
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Research impact library
Sustainable water irrigation for the National Arboretum
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø research has transformed water management at Canberra's National Arboretum through a ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø designed state-of-the-art Internet of Things-based (IoT) irrigation system that significantly reduces water waste and optimises plant hydration, leading to healthier and more resilient flora ensuring the Arboretum’s long-term viability. Lower water consumption eases pressure on local water resources, ensuring availability for households and businesses which is vital in the drought prone Canberra region.
The IoT irrigation system uses sensors embedded in the soil to continuously collect data about the soil condition which is then analyzed and fed into irrigation systems in real time. In essence, the IoT-based soil condition monitoring system is like having a highly intelligent assistant that keeps track of the soil’s needs and takes care of watering efficiently.
The Arboretum has become a catalyst for broader community change through the insights into sustainable water practices and the importance of water conservation offered to visitors. In 2019 a similar irrigation system has been adopted by the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council in partnership with ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, funded through a Federal Government Smart Cities Grant.
Over ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s decade long collaboration with The Arboretum more than 50 ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø students have completed internships working across various parts of the project, now in its third phase.
The Arboretum serves as an exceptional living classroom for students and young people, imparting crucial lessons on the importance of sustainability. This educational impact instils lifelong values of conservation and responsible resource management, shaping a future generation committed to protecting our environment.
Partners
ACT Government, The Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (CMTEDD)
Project phases
- Phase 1: 2016
- Phase 2: 2019
- Phase 3: 2024 ongoing
Research team
- Nishant Jagannath
- Shiv Budakoti
Read more
Innovative system will improve water sustainability at the National Arboretum, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Media release, 2019
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s IoT network improves National Arboretum’s forest care, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Media release, 2016