EQUIPMENT It’s only the beginning


This only scratches the surface, as many other technologies exist, such as individual nozzle control for more precise VRI applications, allowing for thousands of possible application rates compared to the 60-90 rates typically seen with speed control. The cost is dramatically higher to equip a sprinkler with that technology, so I would recommend trying speed control first as a low-cost or no-cost option if you already have telemetry and then learn from that.


Other technologies trying to earn a space in the irrigation sector include on-plant stalk and leaf monitoring devices, the normalized difference vegetation index, and thermal imagery for plant health and canopy temperature. These all attempt to correlate a reading taken from the plant or environment with the need for irrigation,


  


but other stress outside of just moisture can cause a negative plant response, so some ground-truthing is necessary.


Information to action


The challenge in figuring out how to implement any of this technology is that all the data requires interpretation. Work with a local consultant with experience or gain the knowledge yourself to turn the data into action.


Data, without action, will almost always have a negative ROI, as collecting it comes at a cost. Adoption of precision irrigation is a key component to present- day profitability and long-term water availability, which is why you should have it on your radar to research and implement sooner, rather than later.


Cory Gilbert is the founder and president of On Target Ag Solutions.


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