Using Neutron Probes to Aid Irrigation Scheduling

by Brian J. Boman, Univ of Florida, United States,
Charles Higgins, Univ of Florida, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Irrigation and Drainage

Abstract:

Neutron soil moisture measurements are used to supplement irrigation forecasts on the 60,000 acre sprinkler-irrigated Navajo Indian Irrigation Project (NIIP). Weekly irrigation forecasts are based on long-term weather and crop data adjusted to current year conditions. Soil moisture measurements from representative fields are used to determine if past irrigations have maintained appropriate soil moisture levels. Trends in soil moisture status provide information on irrigation efficiency and crop water demands relative to 'normal' conditions. Field procedures, data collection, and use of the information are described for the program that has been in use on the NIIP since 1981.

Subject Headings: Soil water | Irrigation | Crops | Forecasting | Water conservation | Project management | Probe instruments

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