A problem facing many irrigation managers is that they would like to apply less water per irrigation, but can’t.

There are good reasons to reduce the amount of water applied per irrigation. They include economics (becoming more efficient with irrigation water may reduce pumping costs or stretch irrigation district supplies) and regulations (overirrigation may result in the leaching of nitrates).

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a wireless wetting-front monitoring and a cellular communication system for use in flood-irrigated alfalfa and other surface-irrigated crops. Using individually numbered wireless sensors placed in the field, water arrival to a specific location is detected.

The location of the sensor within the check is determined by the irrigator. Upon detection of the wetting-­front, these sensors send a signal to a ‘central module’ located within a 1.5-­mile range. The module has the ability to identify the sensor and send cellular text messages to irrigators alerting them of water arrival in a specific check.

Irrigation has enhanced corn production significantly in the U.S. over the past several years. However, concerns have increased about the sustainability of irrigated corn acres during a time of declining surface and groundwater supplies as well as increased pump costs. This is especially true considering corn occupies more irrigated acres than any other crop in the semiarid Great Plains region.

To maximize yields and economic returns when faced with limited water supplies, growers should focus on irrigation management practices, agronomic management practices, hybrid selection and plant populations.