ClimateMinder, a company that designs complete wireless sensor-controller network solutions for maximizing agriculture productivity and profits, has announced that a growing number of California growers are using ClimateMinder (News - Alert) for Open Fields, a next generation self-adapting wireless system that provides real-time monitoring, control and management of water utilization for open-field agriculture.

California is facing the worst water crisis in the state’s history. There is an $11 billion water bond proposed to fix California's water supply problems, but growers are still pressed to find a solution that gives them answers today, said Bulut Ersavas (News - Alert), ClimateMinder CEO, in a release.

According to Ersavas, ClimateMinder helps growers save water, driving higher yields, quality and profits for their crops. It enables growers to optimize growth patterns, increasing their productivity and product quality, while shortening the time to market.

“Our technology is ideal for growers with high-value crops, such as strawberries and other berries, avocados, and grapes,” Ersavas added.

ClimateMinder for Open Fields utilizes an intelligent, fail-safe mesh network of wireless sensors and controllers that can be installed quickly and cost-effectively throughout an entire field, orchard or vineyard, said company officials. With this mesh feature, there is no need to deploy a PC in field facilities or wires between sensor nodes or controller nodes.

The system can be managed through cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS (News - Alert)), which is accessible anywhere through an Internet-connected computer or mobile device. ClimateMinder's service model also includes free hardware with basic or premium support plans. The system is easily installed and maintained, with no local PC required because the data is stored remotely in the cloud.

Ersavas further said, “Considering that the state produces more than $26 billion in crops each year, it's easy to see that growers need ClimateMinder to ensure their crops don't suffer ill effects of the drought. Our system ensures that growers are utilizing the best management of their water supplies, increasing the value of their crops and decreasing the amount of wasted water simultaneously.”

The system was created originally for drought-stricken growers in Turkey, and has been used by more than 30 farms and greenhouses worldwide over the past two years.

ClimateMinder consists of three technologies: GrowFlex, a patent-pending seamless hardware and software integration for 24/7 monitoring and control; GrowMobile, a unique mobile handset application; and ClimateMinder Server, a secure server that provides management and connectivity.

Other products from ClimateMinder include ClimateMinder for Greenhouses, an integrated solution for greenhouse irrigation, water optimization and climate control; and ClimateMinder for Research. TMCnet had reported about ClimateMinder technology in October.