"Water+" Initiative Reduces Water Use for Crop
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network in Technology
Water+ Intelligent Irrigation Platform Footprint Exceeds 40,000 Acres for 2014 Season
As the tell-tale swaths of corn grown under center pivot irrigation continue to mature, an innovative solution for irrigated corn growers is being implemented throughout the Corn Belt. Water+ Intelligent Irrigation Platform, which claims to be the industry's first commercial effort to integrate all components of an agronomic system, has seen its footprint expand to more than 40,000 acres in 2014.
A collaborative effort between Syngenta and Lindsay Corp., Water+ Intelligent Irrigation Platform brings together agronomic products, irrigation technologies and services. The result is a tested agronomic system that allows irrigated corn producers to grow more corn with up to 25 percent less water.
"In developing this solution, the Syngenta and Lindsay vision was to deliver a complete irrigated corn production system," said Chris Tingle, head of water optimization, Syngenta. "We know that growers are increasingly interested in integrating their entire farming operations so they can be more resourceful with their water and time. Water+ Intelligent Irrigation Platform enables the basic integration of agronomic and irrigation technologies."
When growers enroll in Water+, which had a limited launch in 2013, they work with a local service team that advises on matters such as hybrid selection, crop protection regimens and irrigation management and scheduling. Enrolled growers also gain access to FieldNET wireless irrigation management from Lindsay - precision irrigation technology that allows growers to remotely control and monitor their pivots.
An analysis of 2013 data from five trial sites demonstrated that at reduced irrigation, crops under Water+ out-yielded those in other programs at full irrigation by an average of eight bushels per acre. In addition to the tangible benefits of increased yields and improved water use efficiency, Tingle noted the intangible benefits of control and flexibility that Water+ Intelligent Irrigation Platform growers enjoy.
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