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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #135884
Title: COMPARISON OF EIGHT IRRIGATION SCHEDULING TOOLS FOR SOYBEAN AND COTTON

Author
item BOCKHOLD, DANIEL - U OF MO
item HENGGELER, JOSEPH - U OF MO
item Sudduth, Kenneth - Ken
item THOMPSON, ALLEN L - U OF MO

Submitted to: International Water and Irrigation Review
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2002
Publication Date: 8/1/2002
Citation: BOCKHOLD, D., HENGGELER, J., SUDDUTH, K.A., THOMPSON, A. COMPARISON OF EIGHT IRRIGATION SCHEDULING TOOLS FOR SOYBEAN AND COTTON. INTERNATIONAL WATER AND IRRIGATION REVIEW. 2002. V. 22(3). P. 24-30.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Optimization of irrigation scheduling is important for most efficient water use and for maximizing yields. In this study, eight different irrigation scheduling methods were compared for cotton and soybean. Field plots were established at the University of Missouri Delta Center in Southeast Missouri for the following scheduling methods: (1) gypsum block, (2) tensiometer, (3) infrared crop canopy temperature sensor, (4) Arkansas Scheduler computer program, (5) the Woodruff chart method using historical weather data, (6) graphical interpretation of the slope of a soil moisture depletion curve, (7)use of a washtub to simulate crop water use, and (8) visual observation of crop water stress symptoms. In 2001 the number of irrigations triggered by the methods ranged from 2 to 6 on cotton and from 2 to 8 on soybean, with the most irrigations called for by the Arkansas Scheduler program. All methods were relatively inexpensive to implement, ranging from no cost (other than labor) to about $4 per acre assuming 400 acres under irrigation. The amount of effort required to implement and maintain each method was evaluated. The Arkansas Scheduler program and Woodruff charts required the least effort both for implementation and for use during the season.