Every drop has a reason: How irrigation scheduling helps justify water use
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EmailThe Michiana Irrigation Association Winter Workshop returns December 12 in Elkhart, Indiana. Join us to explore tools and strategies to improve water use efficiency and productivity.
As weather patterns continue to shift and irrigation demand grows, Michiana growers face growing pressure to use water efficiently and strategically. Irrigation scheduling is one of the simplest and most effective tools to do that.
Irrigation scheduling isn’t just a way to decide when to turn the pivot on, it’s a data-driven strategy to apply the right amount of water at the right time. Proper scheduling helps growers:
- Maintain adequate soil moisture during critical crop growth stages.
- Avoid under- and over-irrigation, which can lead to crop yield loss, nutrient leaching and wasted energy.
- Optimize water use efficiency for both yield and profits.
- Document irrigation decisions using measurable, defendable data.
In years when rainfall is unpredictable, scheduling becomes even more important. Even fields just a few miles apart may receive very different amounts of precipitation, making guesswork unreliable. When every irrigation event is backed by data, every drop has a purpose.
Growers interested in improving their scheduling practices or keeping better records are encouraged to join Michigan State University Extension at the Michiana Irrigation Association Annual Meeting on Dec. 12 at the Beacon Health Swim Center in Elkhart, Indiana (200 E Jackson Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46514). It’s a great opportunity to learn, connect and stay ahead of next season’s decisions.
Visit the Michigan State University Extension Irrigation website to learn more. Call Lyndon Kelley at 269-535-0343 or Deanna Mumby at 269-998-1177 with any questions about this event.
