Author
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Sassenrath, Gretchen |
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Submitted to: National Information Management and Support System
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 11/30/2005 Publication Date: 11/30/2005 Citation: Sassenrath, G.F. 2005. ("Irrigation Management for Humid and Sub-Humid Areas.")S1018 Annual Report Summary and Business Meeting Minutes. SAES-422, Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report. S1018 Multistate Research Project. 12pages. Interpretive Summary: The S1018 Multi-State Research Project includes scientists from Extension, University and the USDA-Agricultural Research Service working together to solve problems of irrigated agriculture in humid regions. While irrigated acreage in western portions of the United States have declined in recent years, irrigated crop acreage in the humid Southeast has increased by 70%. Many of the technologies available for irrigation in dry areas are not amenable for water management in humid environments. The research team developed a set of objectives and research plans focused on the needs of irrigation in humid areas. The research team meets annually to discuss research in progress, and develop collaborative research programs designed to address the key objectives identified in the original proposal. The Annual Report details research of the twenty seven scientists who attended this first annual meeting. The research addresses problems of irrigation application, irrigation efficiency, including irrigation scheduling methods, enhancing water supplies, and education and technology transfer. The regional project allows the team to work across state and institutional boundaries to develop the best practices and technologies for management of water resources. Technical Abstract: The S-1018 Multi-State Research Project “Irrigation Management for Humid and Sub-humid Areas” is focused on research pertaining to the timely and accurate application of irrigation water for crop production in humid regions. Researchers from around the region met in Georgia on September 12-14, 2005, to present research results and share concerns of irrigation in humid areas. This report details the progress of the research team over the past year. Specific objectives include: Objective 1: Improved automation, control, and distribution technology to increase irrigation efficiency. Objective 2: Improve irrigation scheduling methods and the knowledge/application base associated with crop coefficients, reference evapotranspiration predictions, precipitation forecasting, and field-based sensor systems as they relate to plant water use. Objective 3: Enhance water supplies and reduce water quality impacts of irrigation management where rainfall is primary component of the water supply issue. Objective 4: Enhancing the transfer of irrigation technologies and management strategies emphasizing economic and environmental benefits. The research team will meet annually to present research results and plan collaborative research efforts on topics pertaining to the stated objectives. |
