A Variable-Rate Nutrient Management Technique for Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

Applying a proper rate of fertilizer for a crop is one of the major management decisions for producers in the southeastern USA. Since 1997, irrigated acreage in South Carolina has increased at a rate of about 10,000 acres per year. Currently there are no practical decision making tools or equipment available for variable-rate application of nitrogen through overhead sprinkler irrigation systems, the predominantly adopted irrigation system in South Carolina. Therefore, the primary goal of my study was to develop and test technologies and concepts for a sensor-based, variable-rate nutrient management program for overhead sprinkler irrigation systems, to provide site-specific application of fertilizers only where needed within individual fields. This presentation covers the results of this project conducted during 2016 and 2017.