Location: Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection
Project Number: 8080-21000-032-060-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2024
End Date: May 31, 2026
Objective:
The objectives for this project are to: 1) Install Open_Irr controllers in three high-tunnels of the collaborating farmers and provide controller operation training; 2) Quantify irrigation water volume utilized in beds managed by the controller and those under typical management; 3) Evaluate resulting produce yield and quality; and 4) Develop recommendations for data-driven irrigation controllers in high-tunnel production environments.
Approach:
Open_Irr controllers constructed by USDA-ARS will be installed with necessary irrigation system modifications in the fall of 2024. Training on the controller will be provided during install and again during early spring of 2025 planting activities. Experimental activities will be conducted as two approaches to irrigation (data-driven irrigation, manual irrigation) in three crops (tomato, cucumber, pepper) in randomized complete block design; three high-tunnel replications yields 18 experimental units. Irrigation flow meters will record cumulative water usage among crop and irrigation approaches. Crop growth will be monitored during vegetative growth phases. Upon harvest, yield and produce quality will be evaluated at Pennsylvania State University.
