Initial soil moisture level

post by tcremer on Jun 20, 2019

At the time of installation, how does the system know the pre-existing soil moisture level? Does it have to be manipulated at the time of programming?

post by franz on Jun 21, 2019

We assume zones have zero moisture.

5 years later

post by Fl-user on May 8, 2024

So, how does Rachio know it is full and stops watering?

post by ady624 on May 8, 2024

it either estimates or measures several numbers, then adds/subtracts them together, keeping a sort of a balance sheet. Day start balance + precipitation + irrigation - evapotranspiration = day end balance.

When that drops below the target (based on allowed depletion, water availability, root depth, etc) it waters and adds that to the balance sheet as irrigation.

Hope this helps.

post by franz on May 8, 2024

Great answer @ady624. @Fl-user For more information here is some documentation about the process.