A Climate Learning Network/ANREP Climate Science Initiative collaboration in partnership with the Ogallala Water Coordinated Agriculture Project, this webinar will introduce a series of tools for scheduling irrigation for improved water management and water use efficiency.
When scheduling irrigation on their farms, U.S producers commonly rely on recent precipitation patterns, crop growth stage or appearance, or, in some cases, general observations of soil moisture in the upper portion of the root zone. These methods are not based on actual consumptive water use or soil profile water content and can result in significant over- or under-irrigation. This webinar will provide information on three irrigation scheduling tools: the WISE Irrigation scheduler, KanSched3, and the Dashboard for Irrigation Efficiency Management (DIEM). These tools were developed to help support water use decision making by producers located in the High Plains and other regions with limited precipitation and water resources. Overviews and demonstrations of each tool will be provided, as well as information related to field research, modeling efforts and other work currently underway to develop these tools further and to improve their user-friendliness.
Speakers:
Allan Andales, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Colorado State University: Dr. Andales applies principles of soil and water engineering, environmental biophysics, and numerical methods to study the effects of management practices and environmental factors on field hydrology and agricultural production.
Jim Bordovsky, Senior Research Scientist, Texas A&M Agrilife Research: Mr. Bordovsky conducts agricultural water management research under extreme deficit water conditions using pivot and subsurface drip irrigation systems in the Southern High Plains of Texas. He is focused on creating information leading to the development of management strategies for the transition from irrigated to dryland agriculture.
Danny Rogers, Professor and Extension Agricultural Engineer, Kansas State University: Dr. Rogers works to promote, direct, and conduct effective extension educational programs in the area of water resources management, including both quantity and quality issues, concentrating on agricultural production.