In the realm of agricultural practices, the efficient management of irrigation stands as a cornerstone for maximizing crop yield while minimizing water consumption. Recognizing the vital role of agricultural productivity in global food security, it becomes imperative to adopt precision irrigation practices that not only optimize yield but also ensure long-term water management solutions.

This proposal is designed to delve into the intricate dynamics of irrigation methodologies, with a particular focus on rainfed and science-based techniques, specifically emphasizing sensor-based irrigation. The objective is to comprehensively understand the impact of these irrigation practices on both the physiological aspects and overall yield of crops. In the context of Maryland's soybean industry, characterized by its diverse climatic conditions, the stakes are high for mitigating agricultural drought and enhancing productivity. Hence, this proposal is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by soybean cultivation in Maryland, aiming to assess and optimize irrigation practices specifically for this crop.

The research methodology integrates cutting-edge technologies, including sensor-based irrigation, remote sensing, and site-specific soil moisture monitoring. By harnessing these advanced tools, the study seeks to establish precise irrigation thresholds and quantify plant-available water. This intricate data collection process is fundamental for effective water resource management, providing a nuanced understanding of how different irrigation strategies impact soybean crops.

The integration of sensor-based irrigation not only allows for real-time monitoring and control but also facilitates the development of tailored irrigation schedules based on specific soil moisture characteristics. By combining these insights with remote sensing technologies, which provide a macroscopic view of crop growth and stress responses, the study aims to bridge the gap between micro and macro scales of irrigation management.

The ultimate goal is to identify optimized irrigation practices for soybean cultivation in Maryland. This involves not only understanding the physiological responses of soybean crops to different irrigation methods and thresholds but also offer practical recommendations for soybean farmers, thereby enhancing the resilience of soybean crops.

The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of science-based irrigation methods in enhancing crop physiology and yield compared to traditional rain-fed systems. Additionally, the proposal aims to explore the potential of remote sensing technologies in monitoring and evaluating these impacts.
1. Evaluate the impact of rainfed and different irrigation thresholds on soybean crop yield in Maryland.
2. Investigate the physiological responses of soybean crops using remote sensing to different irrigation thresholds and determine plant available water in the growing season.
3. Develop an optimized irrigation strategy for soybean cultivation based on site-specific soil moisture data and soil water retention characteristics.

Implementing a rigorous research framework, the study will investigate the impact of rainfed and sensor-based irrigations on soybean crop. To compare sensor-based irrigations and rainfed treatment, the different irrigation thresholds will be employed for scheduling the irrigation. The study will be setup at WYEREC with three sensor-based irrigation treatments and one rainfed treatment. Also, this study at the research and education centers of the University of Maryland will provide the basic information on irrigation, which can be used to establish the research on farm parenting with farmer (s) in the future. Soil moisture sensors will be strategically installed at multiple depths within each treatment to continuously monitor soil moisture levels throughout the growing season. This real-time data collection will provide insights into the dynamic changes in soil moisture, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of irrigation effects. The Precision Agriculture Lab at CMREC-Upper Marlboro, University of Maryland, will play a crucial role in developing Soil Water Retention Characteristics (SWRC) for each designated treatment. The SWRC characterization is fundamental for understanding soil-water dynamics and optimizing irrigation practices. Throughout the growing season, key crop physiology parameters will be collected, including Leaf Area Index (LAI) and water stress indicators, and plant height. These data points will provide a holistic view of the crop's response to different irrigation methods. Leveraging information from soil moisture sensors and the developed SWRC, the project will calculate the daily plant available water for each treatment. This crucial metric will serve as a basis for optimizing irrigation thresholds, ensuring that water is applied judiciously at various growth stages. The daily plant available water data will be instrumental in refining and optimizing irrigation thresholds for each treatment group. By tailoring irrigation scheduling to specific growth stages, the study aims to enhance water use efficiency while maximizing soybean crop yield. The project emphasizes the integration of advanced techniques within the soil-water-plant-atmosphere continuum. This holistic approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships governing precision irrigation management during the soybean growing seasons.

Updated July 22, 2024:
Soybean crop has been planted and sensors were installed in the field. Irrigation and rainfed scenarios are designed in the full-length field.

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This research will contribute valuable knowledge to the agricultural community, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in water resource management. The findings will aid in the development of science-based irrigation strategies, promoting agricultural practices and enhancing food security in the face of changing rainfall and varying soil conditions. This study will provide insights into the specific irrigation thresholds that maximize soybean yield while optimizing water use efficiency. It can offer recommendations for site-specific irrigation management decisions to growers with soil moisture sensor and crop physiology integration into irrigation management practices. The study will translate research findings into practical guidelines for farmers, enabling them to implement optimized irrigation strategies based on real-time data and scientific principles.