Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2014

Abstract

Irrigation systems are designed to apply a relatively uniform amount of water to fields that often time needs to be varied due to factors such as soil types, multiple crops, and topography. With the potential of a field to vary, a significant amount of water, energy, nutrients and minerals can be wasted, which can ultimately reduce crop yields. As a solution, we are now developing an intelligent irrigation system that automatically adjusts application rates to match the requirements of individual management zones within a particular field. A tabletop version of a center pivot is being constructed to promote adoption and to demonstrate this innovative technology. This model has working pumps to replicate individual irrigation zones to vary the application rate by automatically turning sections off or on, and by changing the rotational speed of the center pivot. The tabletop center pivot will be used during field days, trade shows, and meeting with producers to demonstrate the uses, benefits, and effectiveness of this irrigation technology.

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