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ARS Home » Plains Area » Sidney, Montana » Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory » Agricultural Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #186968
Title: OPTIMAL SITE-SPECIFIC CONFIGURATIONS FOR WIRELESS IN-FIELD SENSOR-BASED IRRIGATION

Author
item Kim, James
item Evans, Robert
item Jabro, Jalal - Jay

Submitted to: International Irrigation Show
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/8/2005
Publication Date: 8/8/2005
Citation: Kim, Y., Evans, R.G., Jabro, J.D. 2005. Optimal site-specific configurations for wireless in-field sensor-based irrigation. International Irrigation Show. Paper IA05-1037.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The spatial variability of agricultural fields has been addressed widely by many authors, while difficulties remain to optimize the site-specific field configurations. Because of the complexities and time constraints involved in real-time irrigation scheduling, integrated feedback of soil moisture, and micrometeorological sensors distributed across a field is necessary for continuous update on decision support of self-propelled irrigation systems. There is a need to improve procedures so that the minimum number of in-field sensor systems would be placed with optimal impact to the decision support. The performance of the wireless data collection is evaluated on the experimental plot prepared with conventional irrigation schedule. Each conceptual station consists of sensors for leaf temperature and humidity, soil temperature and moisture, and rain gauge. Optimized sensor distribution produces cost-effective system with increased computational speed, while frequent feedback of plant-based sensors and soil moisture sensors minimizes drift from actual conditions.