Thursday, January 4, 2018

Salon E (Marriott Rivercenter Hotel)

Friday, January 5, 2018

Salon E (Marriott Rivercenter Hotel)

Seth Thomas McAllister , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Holly Anderson , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Phillip Edwards , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Jeremy M. Kichler , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Jenna Kicklighter , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Jason E. Mallard , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Jennifer T. Miller , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Peyton Sapp , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Bill Starr , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Jeremy Taylor , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Ty Torrance , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

William G. Tyson , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Brock A. Ward , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Wade Parker , University of Georgia

Scott Utley , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Calvin Perry , University of Georgia

George Vellidis , University of Georgia

Laura Perry-Johnson , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Mark A. McCann , University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Wesley M. Porter , University of Georgia

The main goal of this project was to implement and evaluate the efficacy of advanced irrigation scheduling tools at the farm level. The specific objectives of this study were to select appropriate farmers from within the southern portion of Georgia who were growing cotton to work with as collaborators, install soil moisture sensors in their fields, schedule irrigation utilizing the sensors, calculate water use efficiency of the crop from the sensors and from the conventionally utilized farmer method, and to compare the water use efficiency of both methods. Thirteen UGA extension agents were tasked with selecting two farmers from each of their counties for collaboration on this project. Twenty-two farmers were selected in eleven counties across southern Georgia to participate in this state-wide extension research effort. Three sensor locations per field were selected based on the producers’ knowledge of the field, agents’ experience, and available field data such as satellite imagery. Each sensor location was selected due to variability apparent in each of the fields. The sensors utilized WaterMark sensors integrated into a probe at six and fourteen inches below the soil surface. Irrigation was triggered once a weighted average soil water tension level of 45 kPa was reached. Weighting was applied to each of the sensors based on its location in the field, and the approximate percentage of the field each sensor covered. Irrigation was scheduled utilizing the sensors and was checked utilizing the SmartIrrigation Cotton App. The cotton app was used to aid in monitoring the physiological stage of the crop and to build confidence in implementation of the app. Irrigation events were tracked by the agents and rainfall data were collected via in-field rain gauges with data loggers. Irrigation events were verified by in-field rain gauges.

Large Scale Implementation and Evaluation of on-Farm Advanced Irrigation Scheduling