Achieve the Potential of Variable Rate Irrigation
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The document outlines a webinar presented by Dr. Chad Godsey on variable rate irrigation (VRI) systems, including sector-based, zone, and nozzle-by-nozzle approaches. It emphasizes the challenges of evaluating VRI effectiveness compared to other variable rate applications and stresses the necessity of establishing check strips for accurate assessment. Additionally, the importance of collecting soil moisture data and understanding system limitations is highlighted for informed decision-making in agricultural practices.
Achieve the Potential of Variable Rate Irrigation
- 1. Sponsored by XSInc Achieve the Potential of Variable Rate Irrigation Chad Godsey, PhD Precision Ag Insight Webinar March 9, 2016
- 2. Sponsored by XSInc Webcast Format • You are muted. • Please ask questions using the “Questions” box. • Click the red arrow to close/open controls. • Click the “plus” next to “Questions” if you don’t see the questions box. • A recording of today’s webcast will be emailed to you. Minimized Controls
- 3. Sponsored by XSInc Speakers Presenter Dr. Chad Godsey Owner, Godsey Precision Ag Host Ben Gist Business Development Analyst, XS Inc
- 4. Sponsored by XSInc Overview VRI Systems and the basics Case Study
- 5. Sponsored by XSInc Registration Question • Have you or your growers used variable rate irrigation or performed irrigation trials?
- 6. Sponsored by XSInc Results – Used VRI? 47% 53% Yes No
- 7. Sponsored by XSInc VRI • Effectively evaluating variable rate irrigation (VRI) is much more difficult to do when compared to variable rate seeding or fertilizer applications. The complexity comes from trying to include an adequate “check” or reference strip to be able to compare your variable rate irrigation treatments against.
- 8. Sponsored by XSInc VRI Systems • Sector based VRI - Sector VRI is accomplished by segmenting the pivot path into 2 or more pie-like slices. Each unique irrigation amount is usually accomplished by altering the pivot speed at each slice.
- 9. Sponsored by XSInc VRI Systems • Zone VRI - Zone VRI divides the pivot area into 2 or more zones (rings) around the pivot point. When combined with the segmenting sectors, an even higher level of precision is made possible with the use of several thousand individually managed zones.
- 10. Sponsored by XSInc VRI Systems • Nozzle by Nozzle VRI – This approach each nozzle is controlled individually, so irrigation amounts can be varied by nozzle.
- 11. Sponsored by XSInc Delineating Zones • Similar approaches to seeding of N zones • EC • EM • Slope • Soil Texture • Multi-year Yield History
- 12. Sponsored by XSInc Evaluating Sector based VRI • To effectively evaluate VRI with sector based control it is best to alternate every 30 degrees. A minimum of 30 percent of the area should be flat-rated to serve as a check.
- 13. Sponsored by XSInc Evaluating Zone or Nozzle by Nozzle • Determine type of file format • Some systems will accept a shapefile while others will only accept .xml file types. • Maintain at least 20-30 percent of the area in the field as a check. • This 20-30 percent should not be contiguous, instead it should be spread out throughout the field. • Keep in mind that with VRI the application is not as precise as with fertilizer application equipment. The edges of the zones may receive overthrow from neighboring nozzles or runoff so check zones have to relatively large (>2 ac).
- 14. Sponsored by XSInc Evaluating Zone or Nozzle by Nozzle
- 15. Sponsored by XSInc Other data to collect • Soil moisture data from as many zones as possible if soil moisture probes are being used to help schedule irrigation. • Collect irrigation amounts and rainfall from rain gauges if possible. • Any other observations that may have impacted yield.
- 16. Sponsored by XSInc Registration Question • What percentage of your growers are actively using soil moisture sensors?
- 17. Sponsored by XSInc Results – Use soil moisture sensors? 16% 58% 16% 0% 10% Do not use Less than 15% 15-50% 50-76% 76-100%
- 18. Sponsored by XSInc Registration Question • How do your growers use soil moisture data for management decisions?
- 19. Sponsored by XSInc Results – Using soil moisture data 16% 42% 42% Do not use Occasionally use it throughout the season Rely on it for weekly irrigation
- 20. Sponsored by XSInc Example Soils Multi-year Yield
- 21. Sponsored by XSInc Irrigation Zones Soils Zones
- 22. Sponsored by XSInc AgVeritas Results
- 23. Sponsored by XSInc Spatial Effects Map
- 24. Sponsored by XSInc Results – Yield by Soil Type
- 25. Sponsored by XSInc Results – Yield by Mgt Zone Mgt Zone Normal Slow - - - - - - - - - - bu/ac - - - - - - - - - - - Really Low 155.2 151.2 Low 172.6 167.9 Average 217.5 218.5 High 240.9 245.1
- 26. Sponsored by XSInc Results – Profit Analysis • Crop Price $3.75 • Required Return: 10% • Irrigation Input • Normal $1/ac • Slow Rate $10/ac • Everything else same as last year
- 28. Sponsored by XSInc Summary Understand the limitations of the system Establish Check Strips Initial Interpretation of Yield Data Add check plot
- 29. Sponsored by XSInc Thank You Chad Godsey, PhD Owner, Godsey Precision Ag Phone: 970-630-7732 Email: chad.godsey@godseyag.com Web: godseyag.com Twitter: @godseyag Post event survey: Your feedback is greatly appreciated!