Smart irrigation sprinklers

Apparatus for installation into a pipe carrying irrigation water to add fertilizer to the irrigation water comprising:

• (a) a valve body having a bore therethrough extending between an inlet opening for receiving the irrigation water under pressure and an outlet opening for conducting the irrigation water to a next point of use, said valve body further having a compartment for holding concentrated fertilizer with a first conduit connecting between said compartment and said bore adjacent said outlet opening and a second conduit connecting between said compartment and bore adjacent said inlet opening;
• (b) valve means disposed in said first conduit for opening and closing said conduit;
• (c) mechanical timer means operably connected for operating said valve means for a pre-established period of time;
• and,
• (d) means for operating said timer from the movement of the irrigation water through said bore whereby fertilizer contained in said compartment is added to the irrigation water flowing through said bore through said first conduit for said pre-established period of time.

An improved automated irrigation system having localized moisture needs input to the control function comprising:

• (a) a sprinkler head connected to a supply of water under pressure by a pipe having a primary valve therein;
• (b) moisture sensing probe means placed in the soil adjacent said sprinkler head for developing an electrical signal representing the moisture content of the soil surrounding said probe means;
• (c) a supplemental valve disposed downstream from said primary valve in a pipe supplying water to said sprinkler head;
• and
• (d) irrigation bypass logic means disposed at said probe means and operably connected to said supplemental valve and said probe means for comparing the moisture content of the soil surrounding said probe means to pre-established limits and for preventing said supplemental valve from supplying water to said sprinkler head when there is sufficient moisture in the soil.