Irrigation decisions are challenging in a humid region like Tennessee, because rainfall patterns are difficult to predict. Frequent irrigation can keep soil too wet for optimum yield, especially when unexpected heavy rain occurs. Deciding not to irrigate because of rain chances can create conditions too dry for optimum yield. Soils vary in water holding capacity and ability to drain excess water, and variation in planting date from late April to mid-June also changes soybean water use and sensitivity to drought according to growth stage. This project shares irrigation scheduling tools that help producers know the water status of their fields to avoid crop stress from either waterlogging or drought.
Key Beneficiaries:
#agronomists, #extension agents, #farmers
Unique Keywords:
#irrigation, #irrigation