Project ID:2005SD35B
Title: Water Conservation Using Automated Irrigation Water Management for Center Pivots
Project Type: Research
Start Date: 03/01/2006
End Date: 02/28/2007
Congressional District: First
Focus Categories: Irrigation, Water Use, Agriculture
Keywords: water management, center pivot, irrigation scheduling, technology
Principal Investigators: Werner, Hal D.; Trooien, Todd P.
Federal Funds: $22,343
Non-Federal Matching Funds: $45,078
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, telecommunications, 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. Training software will also be developed to assist the farmer with understanding principles of irrigation water management. 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