RESEARCH
Growing G forOODf
The TAPS program encourages growers to try new approaches to increase profitability.
BY AMY KREMEN F
or growers, integrating new systems, technologies, tools and strategies into an existing irrigation management plan presents several risks and challenges. It’s often
a process of trial and error rather than a unilateral decision. Besides added cost and lack of available information on new irrigation tools and strategies, producers are hesitant to rely on them without hands-on experience or feel confident in the potential return on investment these tools and strategies may bring.
On the other hand, researchers, extension agents and tech consultants struggle to help growers adopt precision irrigation technology. Despite extensive research efforts, incentives and outreach, a 2019 survey by the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service shows that adoption has been slower than expected. One reason may be that tech adoption varies at a regional scale. For example, Nebraska farmers are leading
20 Irrigation TODAY | Winter 2023
the adoption of soil moisture monitors, while in Kansas, scheduling technologies are the fastest to be adopted.
For both growers and extension researchers, the tools and technologies overwhelming the market mean an enormous number of options and practices to test. Individual researchers with a limited amount of resources and time can only recommend a small scope of possibilities.
The Irrigation Innovation Consortium consists of a network of university partners, researchers, manufacturers, consultants and other experts that test, improve and study the use of advanced irrigation management tools and technologies. Through its network, the IIC is able to develop a systematic approach to irrigation innovation strategies, while taking into consideration both the technical and social challenges. The IIC has invested in more than 40 research projects, including national surveys looking into the economic impact of the irrigation industry, the irrigation industry’s future research
needs and the incentives and challenges of adopting precision irrigation technology.
IIC was founded in 2018 with a $5 million dollar grant from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. With matching support, IIC dedicated an investment of $10 million into advanced irrigation research between 2018 and 2022.
In 2022, the IIC announced its 5th annual call for proposals, prioritizing research focused on improving irrigation technology, data synthesis to inform irrigation decision-making, clarifying water-use benchmarks and targets, and quantifying potential benefits of advanced irrigation management.
Included in the funded 2022 research is a project furthering the Testing Agriculture Performance Solutions program, which is dedicated to helping irrigators integrate advanced irrigation systems and strategies into their irrigation programs by mitigating the risks associated with adoption.
irrigationtoday.org
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