Online Irrigation Scheduling for Improved Yield and Water Use Efficiency

Water management has the single biggest impact on irrigated cotton yield and quality, and profitability can be maximized through strategic irrigation management. However the key to making better irrigation decisions is through better access to better information. Whilst there are many different tools and models that assist with irrigation decisions, when it comes to irrigation scheduling, there is no substitute for direct measurement of soil moisture. AquaSpy probes, with sensors every 4” to a depth of 5,’ provide a detailed picture of crop water use throughout the root zone.  This allows irrigators to watch plants 'drink' and in so doing, irrigation can be appplied in response to the changing demands of the crop. AquaSpy probes highlight the effectiveness of irrigation and rainfall, as well as showing root growth and crop water use.  Remote telemetry units, including cellular, radio and satellite options, combined with online data access, provide the ability to respond to the crop in real time. The use of this technology ensures that the right amount of water is applied at the right time to provide the highest yields and the best use of water.