Time to Initiate an Irrigation Plan for a Strong Finish

Water is a key ingredient for a healthy crop, and irrigation is one way farmers ease the risk of fields drying out. 

Drought affects soybeans most during the reproductive stages, when plants begin to flower and produce pods and seeds. During these stages, a soybean plant’s supplemental water needs from irrigation are greatest. In fact, a soybean crop can use a quarter-inch of water per day during the reproductive stages. So when should farmers turn on the water? 

“Irrigation should begin at a pre-determined soil-moisture threshold, regardless of growth stage,” says Jason Krutz, Mississippi State University irrigation specialist. “The threshold is best determined by soil-moisture sensors that are placed at appropriate depths according to soil texture to ensure you don’t lose yield to drought stress during the critical R3 through R6 growth stages.”

Here, Krutz shares some tips to keep in mind as farmers prepare their soil-moisture sensors for irrigation initiation:

Quantity: Use a minimum of one sensor set per 40-80 acres if in the same soil type. 

Where: A soil-moisture sensor set includes three sensors, placed 6, 12 and 24 inches deep for soybeans. 

When: Initiate and terminate irrigation according to growth stage and soil-moisture level.

How: Think about the whole field, and consider the soil type to decide sensor placement.

Save money, time and worry by applying the amount of water the crop needs. Soil-moisture sensors help farmers determine moisture by depth, active rooting zone and infiltration depth. Through the use of sensors, farmers can better time their irrigation to crop demand, rather than setting a schedule.