2020 December Board Book

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Automation of Surface Irrigation Systems in Dairy Production Systems in the Central Valley BACKGROUND: Surface irrigation and field crops are managed by irrigators, who rely on their experiences to determine how a field is irrigated. This can result in water losses through surface runoff or deep percolation, or both. OBJECTIVE: Utilize automation of surface irrigation systems to increase use efficiency (yield/unit of water) and improve water management, reduce labor costs, improve water conservation and reduce nitrate leaching. INDUSTRY BENEFIT: Automation of surface irrigation systems has the potential to greatly improve irrigation application efficiency, reduce the loss of water and nitrate, and save labor and energy. There is the potential to increase crop nitrogen use efficiency.

Researchers:

Khaled Bali, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

3 Years, project total $91,655 ( 2021: $53,564 , 2022: $54,926, 2023: $56,356)

Timeline:

2021 CMAB Budget Request: $53,564

CDRF 2021 Proposed Budget and Projects