MSU App Tackles Erratic Rainfall with Precision Irrigation

Michigan farmers are struggling to adapt to erratic rainfall patterns, which have become more frequent in recent years. To address this issue, researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) are developing an app that uses modern sensors and weather data to optimize irrigation practices.

The MSU team is led by Younsuk Dong, an assistant professor and irrigation specialist who aims to increase climate resilience among farmers. The research focuses on comparing the effectiveness of different irrigation management practices, including evapotranspiration (ET) calculations derived from weather stations and modern soil moisture sensors.

Casey Carr, an agronomist at Sackett Potatoes in Michigan, is testing the app across 3,800 acres of potatoes, soybeans, and corn. The app has already shown promising results, with some farmers reporting improved water use efficiency and reduced costs.

Dong's research aims to quantify the financial return on investment for different irrigation management practices, including soil moisture sensors and ET-based approaches. He expects to extend the application of the findings across different crops in the next few years.