A Soil Moisture Sensor Approach to Scheduling Cotton Irrigation

Thursday, January 4, 2018: 1:00 PM
Salon J (Marriott Rivercenter Hotel)
Michael T. Plumblee , Mississippi State University
Darrin M. Dodds , Mississippi State University
Jason Krutz , Mississippi State University
Chase A. Samples , Mississippi State University
Savana Davis , Mississippi State University
A majority of the irrigation in Mississippi is applied through furrow irrigation systems which is the least efficient method of water delivery utilized in cotton. This study was conducted to incorporate the use of Watermark soil moisture sensors and to define an appropriate irrigation schedule as well as irrigation triggers based on growth stage in cotton in order to reduce overwatering while maintaining yield.