Irrigation system on the field. (Getty stock photo)

Combining Tools Could Help Farmers Save on Water Usage

ARS researchers are helping farmers save on water usage costs while maintaining good crop yields. Water management is one of the biggest factors in farming costs as well as crop yields. Many of today’s farmers are applying irrigation scheduling models and soil water sensors to assist with their water management. However, these two technologies are typically used separately.  

ARS researchers in Maricopa, AZ, studied whether combining irrigation scheduling models and soil water sensors could improve water efficiency. Researchers compared cotton yield and water use outcomes when managed by three irrigation scheduling models and when those models were assisted by field measurements of soil water status. Learn more...

The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.