Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2005TX192B

Evaluation of Irrigation Scheduling Using the Biotic Model

Institute: Texas
Year Established: 2005 Start Date: 2005-03-01 End Date: 2006-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $5,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $19,808

Principal Investigators: Joshua Bynum, Tom Cothren

Project Summary: This project will play a key role in furthering developing of the BIOTIC (Biologically-Identified Optimal Temperature Interactive Console) model. BIOTIC provides a management tool by which irrigation events can be improved by utilizing a thermal kinetic window (TKW), which is a temperature range that permits normal enzyme function in crops. The estimated TKW for cotton is from 23.5 to 32 degrees C. Within TKW temperature ranges, plants are able to cool themselves through transpiration. The objectives of this study are to refine the BIOTIC model so it more precisely times irrigation to minimize irrigation inputs and optimize yields, and to determine how the use of BIOTIC affects cotton yield and fiber quality. The model will be tested in field studies in Burleson County, Texas. Ultimately, the use of the BIOTIC model has the potential to increase water use efficiency while producing maximum cotton yields.