Irrigation Tools Help Manage Drought Conditions

By Scout Nelson

A recent study in south-central Nebraska highlights how irrigation tools can help manage corn production under drought conditions and groundwater limits. Declining groundwater levels have led Natural Resources Districts to set water use rules in several regions. In 2025, one district limited irrigation to 65 acre-inches over five years and paused new high-capacity wells, while nearby areas are also being monitored closely.

To support better water use, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln conducted a field study at the South-Central Agriculture Lab in 2024 and 2025. The goal was to compare irrigation scheduling tools that could help maintain crop yields while reducing water use.

The study tested two main approaches. The first method used soil moisture monitoring tools such as Watermark sensors and AquaSpy probes. These devices measure soil water levels and guide irrigation decisions based on plant needs. The second method used a water balance tool called CropFit, which estimates soil moisture using weather data and irrigation records.

Corn was planted in May 2025 and grown under both full and deficit irrigation levels. Results showed that fully irrigated plots used more water but did not significantly increase yields compared to other methods. Watermark sensors applied the most irrigation, but CropFit and AquaSpy achieved similar yields with slightly less water.

Under deficit irrigation, water use dropped sharply without major yield loss. Watermark reduced water use by about 50%, while CropFit reduced it by around 33%. Both methods produced nearly equal yields under these conditions.

The weather also played an important role. Although rainfall was above average in 2025, yields were lower due to reduced sunlight and higher night temperatures. This shows that factors beyond water can affect crop performance.

The study suggests that both soil sensors and water balance tools can help manage irrigation effectively. Soil sensors provide direct measurements but require careful setup and monitoring. Water balance tools are easier to use but depend on accurate weather data.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-songbird839