By Scout Nelson
The CropWatch Weekly Irrigation Newsletter has introduced a new video series designed to help farmers better understand irrigation scheduling. The series focuses on the practical application of soil sensor data to make real-time irrigation decisions, showcasing the process at the South-Central Agricultural Lab near Clay Center, Nebraska.
The field being used for the demonstration is equipped with four Watermark sensors installed at varying depths: 6, 18, 30, and 42 inches. These sensors are connected to a 900M Irrometer data logger, which collects critical soil moisture data. Each week, the team uses this data to make irrigation recommendations, which are then applied in the field. The results are captured and shared in the following week’s soil water level charts.
This new video feature aims to make irrigation scheduling easier and more precise by demonstrating the simple yet effective method outlined in EC3036, "Irrigation Scheduling Strategies When Using Soil Water Data". The method can be applied both in the field and office, allowing farmers to make decisions in just a few minutes.
Additionally, for those who prefer visual learning, a five-part video series is available on the CropWatch YouTube channel titled, "How to Schedule Irrigations with Soil Water Data". This series provides a broader overview of the irrigation scheduling method, making it a valuable resource for those interested in optimizing their irrigation practices.
By offering these insights, the CropWatch video series provides hands-on guidance for improving irrigation management and making more informed, data-driven decisions on the farm. Stay tuned for the upcoming yield results post-harvest to see how well the methods perform.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-songbird839
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, General