Automation of Irrigation to Improve Outcomes of Agronomic Crops: On-Farm and Modeling Demonstrations
Date of Award
2-10-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Agriculture, MSA
First Advisor
Ahmed Hashem
Committee Members
Joseph Massey; Michele Reba
Call Number
LD 251 .A566t 2022 J37
Abstract
Automated irrigation systems and new management practices may help address aquifer depletion, labor shortages, and irrigation management challenges. This study evaluated the impact of various automated irrigation systems on commercial farms that produce maize, rice, and soybean. It also modeled how Early Cascade Rice Irrigation Shutoff (ECIS) performs under a range of field conditions. Growers observed various benefits of using automated systems other than irrigation savings or yield increase. Timers and remote shutoff are the most practical and beneficial options for growers willing to adopt some level of automation. ECIS modeling estimates showed that applied irrigation and runoff decreased as field size increased but increased as the discharge rate increased. Irrigation delivery rate guides ECIS trigger paddy location. Growers must balance irrigation savings with protecting against dry conditions in the catch basin. Modeling suggests that by initial full-flooding of a cascade rice field prevents excessive drying in the ECIS catch basin.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Murias Jardim, Thais, "Automation of Irrigation to Improve Outcomes of Agronomic Crops: On-Farm and Modeling Demonstrations" (2023). Student Theses and Dissertations. 219.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/219
