Use of Soil Moisture Data in Agricultural Water Management: On-farm Sensor Research and Perspectives from Irrigators

Abstract:

Responding to global water availability challenges requires improved water management in irrigated agriculture, and one promising approach is through improved use of technologies such as wireless soil moisture sensors. However, the use of soil moisture information is complicated by factors such as uncertainty or errors in the measurements, spatial variability in the field, the need to know soil water retention properties, and the level of understanding required to properly translate soil moisture values into an indicator of crop water status and irrigation requirement. The objectives of this on-farm study are to evaluate the performance of wireless soil moisture sensors and to learn how site-specific soil moisture data affects irrigators’ water management decisions. The goal is to better understand the factors that impeded or complicate the use of soil moisture information in the decision-making process. Sensors were installed in irrigated cropland on four farms in Oklahoma, USA, and monitored throughout the 2020 growing season. The cooperating irrigators have near real-time access to the data from the sensors via a web interface and receive technical support as needed from the project team. Irrigators will be interviewed to gather qualitative data regarding their decision-making process and the use and value of soil moisture information in decision-making. The new understanding generated through this project can help to guide further research, development, and extension efforts to enhance the use and usefulness of soil moisture information in agricultural water management.