Precision Irrigation in Oklahoma Cherie A. Sullivan Plant and Soil Science Major, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078

What is Precision Irrigation? Precise application of water, herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers to each field. It can adjust well to varying soil types, weeds, and pest infestations in field. Brings the promise of increased yields, greater economic return, and less impact on the environment.

How does it work? Soil samples taken at numerous locations in a field. Map with GPS to show exact locations of samples. Install software and farmers can watch crop progress from computer

PI & the Environment Water and energy conservation. Potential for drift is greatly reduced. Schedules provide proper amount of water use.

What it means to the Economy. Increase yields, decrease costs. Eliminates wasteful application of water, fertilizers and chemicals. More uniform water use.

Reflectance and Microwave Data Irrigation schedules require thermal data Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) Not ideal for real-time irrigation management. NIR & red measurements can map long-term water stress.

Conclusion Precision irrigation with remote sensing has come a long way in helping the farmer improve water conservation practices, increase yield, and decrease costs.

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