New drip irrigation technologies designed for more water-efficient applications include collapsible piping, an ultrasonic water meter and controllers that incorporate historical and current weather data as well as real-time data from soil moisture sensors.

Water availability continues to be a top concern across the globe so concerned companies continue to research and innovate in an attempt to increase the world's ability to conserve the essential resource.

One such company, Netafim USA, recently unveiled their latest advances in drip irrigation solutions for the landscape, turf, greenhouse, nursery, and other industries.

At last week's Irrigation Show in Phoenix, Ariz., the company gave attendees a firsthand look at these water-efficient drip irrigation technologies including, the PolyNet™ piping solution, the Octave Ultrasonic Water Meter, and the newly launched line of landscape controllers.

The flexible, lightweight, PolyNet piping solution is intended to be leak-free and to reduce overall system cost per acre when compared to lay-flat options, allowing growers to experience the benefits of a drip irrigation system in areas where operational and budget flexibility is essential. The PolyNet drip irrigation system uses an advanced collapsible design and integral welded connectors to help ensure a leak-free connection, and reduce the typical maintenance and labor costs.

The Octave Ultrasonic Water Meter reportedly offers a new level of accuracy to measuring flow data by using dual-beam sensors to monitor flow rates. These sensors determine the time it takes for an ultrasonic wave to travel the distance between the two sensors located in the meter's body and then provides real-time feedback on flow rate and critical conditions. With no moving parts, Octave's ultrasonic technology can reduce maintenance needs and improves long-term system reliability.

Developed exclusively for Netafim by Tucor Inc., the new landscape controllers are multifunction controllers designed to maximize the water efficiency of any landscape, while reducing the time, labor and costs of expanding a system into new areas of the landscape. Able to be used in conventional, decoder-based and hybrid configurations, the NLC controllers determine the watering needs of a specific landscape by incorporating historical and current weather data as well as real-time data from soil moisture sensors. A suite of water-management features includes intuitive programming, remote management capabilities, and the ability to seamlessly integrate with the company's Total Cycle Management, a comprehensive soil and climate monitoring system.

"It is our responsibility to continually strive to raise the bar for the rest of our industry partners by increasing awareness of the value provided by drip irrigation and backing it up with comprehensive, innovative solutions that are reliable, simple and affordable," said Ze'ev Barylka, Director of Marketing for Netafim USA.