Irrigation...It's All About Timing
Craig Bednarz
Lubbock, Texas
With this technology, crop water deficit stress is indirectly monitored through canopy temperature. The ability to measure canopy temperature is nothing new. This particular technology combines inexpensive and reliable infrared thermometry, cellular and data-logging technologies to produce a new system to continuously monitor crop water deficit stress. This technology may prove to be useful, at least for some producers.
In my opinion, the real key to successful irrigation management is knowledge. A good irrigator will have a working knowledge of irrigation systems, soil and plant water relationships, crop growth and development, crop production, crop physiology and, yes, new technologies. We all understand irrigation inputs are becoming more expensive. The corporate giants are currently working on new transgenic technologies intended to maintain or increase yield with less water. The fact that these giants are willing to invest so heavily in this idea says something about where they believe irrigation costs are headed. I teach a class in crop water management at Texas Tech. I tell my students to look for the day when irrigation consulting for crops becomes a viable business. I believe it is headed our way.
source : cottonfarming
Craig Bednarz
Lubbock, Texas
With this technology, crop water deficit stress is indirectly monitored through canopy temperature. The ability to measure canopy temperature is nothing new. This particular technology combines inexpensive and reliable infrared thermometry, cellular and data-logging technologies to produce a new system to continuously monitor crop water deficit stress. This technology may prove to be useful, at least for some producers.
In my opinion, the real key to successful irrigation management is knowledge. A good irrigator will have a working knowledge of irrigation systems, soil and plant water relationships, crop growth and development, crop production, crop physiology and, yes, new technologies. We all understand irrigation inputs are becoming more expensive. The corporate giants are currently working on new transgenic technologies intended to maintain or increase yield with less water. The fact that these giants are willing to invest so heavily in this idea says something about where they believe irrigation costs are headed. I teach a class in crop water management at Texas Tech. I tell my students to look for the day when irrigation consulting for crops becomes a viable business. I believe it is headed our way.
source : cottonfarming
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