Irrigation Zone Delineation and Management with a Field-Scale Variable Rate Irrigation System in Winter Wheat

Understanding spatial and temporal dynamics of soil water within fields is critical for effective variable rate irrigation (VRI) management. The objectives this study were to develop VRI zones, manage rates examine differences in volumetric content (VWC) from events via sensors across zones. Five zones delineated after two years (2016 2017) yield evapotranspiration (ET) data collection. Soil placed each zone give real time VWC values assist decisions a 23 ha field winter wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘UI Magic’) near Grace, Idaho, USA (2019). Cumulative among ranged 236 298 mm. Although statistical comparison could not be made, the 0.6 21% less than an estimated uniform grower standard practice (GSP) approach. Based on sensor data, crop stress was avoided with management all but Zone 3. Thus, simple approach delineation monitoring has potential reduce irrigation, such as study, average by 12% should evaluated other site-years assess its viability.