Project ID: 2005SD35B

Title: Water Conservation Using Automated Irrigation Water Management for Center Pivots

Project Type: Research

Focus Categories: Irrigation, Water Use, Agriculture

Keywords: water management, center pivot, irrigation scheduling, technology

Start Date: 03/01/2005

End Date: 02/28/2006

Federal Funds: $18,253

Non-Federal Matching Funds: $36,025

Congressional District: First

Principal Investigators:
Hal D. Werner

Todd P. Trooien

Abstract

Water conservation and increased crop production can result from the use of scientific irrigation scheduling. Center pivots irrigate over 20 million acres in the U.S., but scientific irrigation scheduling is not widely used because of the time and effort required by the farmer. This project will complete the development of an innovative center pivot automation (CPA) system and test it in the field. The CPA system includes monitoring and control hardware, short and long-range radio communications, and irrigation management software. The farmer will maintain overall management of the irrigation system but will be relieved of the daily tedium of irrigation scheduling. Expected benefits of the CPA system include water conservation, increased crop production and profitability, and protection of the environment.

Progress/Completion Report PDF

Progress/Completion Report, 2008 update, PDF