In conjunction with the USDA, public agencies throughout the Nation install and operate automatic agricultural weather collection systems. It is generally accepted that proper use of these facilities can save at least 10% and perhaps as much as 30% of irrigation water. A limitation of the present approach is that growers and their consultants must manually access weather data and must make manual changes to irrigation strategy. We propose to demonstrate and prove the usefulness of a significant enhancement to these existing facilities. We will collect evapotranspiration and related weather data from existing weather stations, and then electronically broadcast data to sophisticated irrigation controllers located in the field. We will transmit the data using the same facilities and procedures used by pocket radio pagers. The controllers will be programmed by growers or consultants with local information such as crop type, soil type, application rates, and personal preferences. Then, updated by the daily transmissions of weather data, the controllers will automatically optimize irrigation strategy.
Anticipated Results:This approach will help growers and consultants, and will allow them to make the best use of existing weather data systems. Substantial improvements in irrigation efficiency will save water, energy, and labor. The system will improve the economic viability of farms, and help make water available for urban areas, conservation, and other critical uses. Comparing the cost of this research to the projected value of water saved, this concept offers a benefit/cost ratio of 400 to 1. It will lead to the development and commercial sale of equipment which will immediately help growers to conserve irrigation water.
