Scheduling from Full to Deficit Irrigation and Its Effect on Irrigation Water Use Efficiency.

Irrigation requirements depend on a number of factors, including crop type and growth stage; climate; rainfall amount and distribution; soil physical and chemical properties; nutrient availability; residue cover; among others. Excessive irrigation can increase fertilizer and irrigation pumping costs as well as generate additional nitrate leaching and greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, insufficient irrigation can limit transpiration and photosynthesis and, in turn, hinder crop growth and yield potential. Irrigation systems and technologies are continuously being developed and improved in order to address the aforementioned concerns. This presentation will discuss current and emerging technologies and strategies available for managing full to deficit irrigation as well as their impact on irrigation water use efficiency. Research findings at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln West Central Research and Extension Center will be presented.