FEEDING THE WORLD REQUIRES SMARTER IRRIGATION

That’s why two Brigham Young University environmental scientists, Dr. Neil Hansen and Dr. Bryan Hopkins, Dr. Ryan Smith from Missouri A&T, and a team of researchers are using the latest in satellite, drone, and IoT technology, including ZENTRA Cloud, to work with one tech-savvy commercial grower and his variable rate irrigation center pivot to understand how to maximize his potato crop yield.

COMPLEX NEEDS DEMAND SOPHISTICATED SOLUTIONS

Each sprinkler on the specialized pivot can be automatically adjusted so the grower can water at different rates anywhere in the field, which means variable irrigation can be applied to high-yielding versus low-yielding spots or variable soil types. This is especially important, since half of his center pivot irrigates a cash crop, while the other half provides water for a community golf course!

SMALL PROBLEMS NEVER BECOME BIG PROBLEMS

Near-real-time soil moisture data also alert the scientists and grower to potential problems, such as a broken sprinkler head, which might otherwise go unnoticed. Remote device management means they can set up and manage their sensors and data logger from the comfort of their office.

MAPPING THE WAY TO LARGER YIELDS

Using METER multi-parameter sensors, ZL6 loggers and ZENTRA Cloud, scientists will compare potato yield data with water content, water potential, and weather data, plus use soil mapping, satellite data, and remote-sensing drones to figure out the most efficient irrigation for the highest yield.

BANISH WATER STRESS—WITHOUT OVERWATERING

ZENTRA Cloud’s automated graphing feature will enable the scientists to see in an instant which areas might be approaching water stress, so they can make decisions on the fly and adjust irrigation according to plant needs.