Dynamic Variable Rate Irrigation Scheduling with University of Georgia Smart Sensor Array (UGA SSA)

The University of Georgia Smart Sensor Array (UGA SSA) is a wireless soil moisture sensing system with a high density of sensor nodes which has been field tested for several years and is now commercially available.  During 2015 we conducted a field-scale study to evaluate the performance of using the UGA SSA to dynamically schedule variable rate irrigation (VRI).  The study field was divided into irrigation management zones (IMZs).  After planting and establishment we installed UGA SSA sensors in each of the IMZs.  The data from the sensors was used to dynamically develop irrigation scheduling recommendations for each IMZ.  At each irrigation event, the sensor data from each IMZ were automatically converted into irrigation recommendations and then into a prescription map which was downloaded remotely to the pivot VRI controller.  This paper will present data on performance of the coupled system during the 2015 growing season.