MSU Updating Irrigation Scheduling Tool

Michigan State University Extensionis updating the Microsoft Excel-based irrigation scheduling tool for 2015. We anticipate the updated program will be available for download at theIrrigation websitesometime in April

Michigan State University Extensionis updating the Microsoft Excel-based irrigation scheduling tool for 2015. We anticipate the updated program will be available for download at theMSUExtension Irrigation websitesometime in early April 2015. Perhaps the most important change is a modification that will allow the program to download evapotranspiration (ET), growing degree day values and predicted ET values from the closestMSUEnviro-weatherstation. This feature was added to reduce the work load for producers using the program by automatically entering these important pieces of information into the scheduler. The only information that needs to be entered by the producer is the rainfall at the field and the amounts of irrigation water they applied. The software development team is currently evaluating ways to make entering this information easier for users with multiple irrigation systems to manage.

MSUEnviro-weatheris a series of 80 fully automated weather stations that collect information such as rainfall, humidity, air and soil temperatures and leaf wetness. This information is collected each day and is available at theMSUEnviro-weather website. The data is then utilized in mathematical models that predict crop growth and development and identify important windows for insect and plant disease scouting and management, in addition to crop water usage. This information is then available for use by producers, crop consultants and agri-business professionals to help make more informed crop and pest management decisions in field crop, fruit and vegetable production.

Other enhancements to theMSUirrigation scheduling tool include changing the growth curves for corn and soybeans from a calendar-based system to a growth stage-based model. This update should more accurately reflect crop development. For example, when corn is grown, the program utilizes growing degree days to better estimate crop development and subsequent crop water usage. The new program also allows the user to select the crop growth stage observed in the field to over-ride those predicted by the scheduler if weather conditions are causing the crop to develop grow faster or slower than normal. Another enhancement in the program is a report that contains the information needed forMichigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's (MDARD)water use reporting by April 1 each year.

MSU/Purdue University irrigation educatorLyndon Kelleysays that using an irrigation scheduler is an important way for producers to keep track of where soil moisture levels are in their fields. When irrigating for top yields, it is important to have adequate soil moisture available to keep the developing crop from suffering from drought stress at critical growth stages.

Source: MSU

Read More Related Content On This Topic - Click Here

Media

Taxonomy

• Agriculture
• Irrigation
• Technology