Source: CLEMSON UNIVERSITY submitted to
DEVELOPMENT OF SITE-SPECIFIC, COMBINED WATER AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR OVERHEAD IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
NEW
Funding Source
AFRI COMPETITIVE GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1026728
Grant No.
2021-67022-34930
Project No.
SC-2020-08883
Proposal No.
2020-08883
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
A1521
Project Start Date
Jun 1, 2021
Project End Date
May 31, 2024
Grant Year
2021
Project Director
Payero, J.
Recipient Organization
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
CLEMSON,SC 29634
Performing Department
Agricultural Sciences
Non Technical Summary
This project will utilize engineering principles to integrate existing technologies developed at Clemson University and other states to a) develop an intelligent overhead irrigation system for site-specific, variable-rate irrigation application based on real-time soil moisture data; b) develop a sensor-based variable-rate fertigation equipment, which can be retrofitted onto variable-rate or conventional overhead irrigation systems; c) develop the new IWNP system that combines the intelligent overhead irrigation and the sensor-based fertigation equipment, and evaluate its performance with respects to design specifications and its effects on water, energy, and N use efficiencies in crop productions and to develop practical guidelines for N fertigation rates and frequency through an overhead irrigation system; d) determine the economic and environmental impacts of the IWNP program on farming systems in the Southeast; e) implement a robust and far-reaching training program for producers, county agents, crop advisors and consultants, and technology providers to directly teach the IWNP system to interested individuals; f) incorporate the fundamentals of IWNP technology into formal courses, offered to undergraduate & graduate students at Clemson University; and g) utilize UAVs for monitoring, measurement, and other data collection in crop production.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
0%
Applied
100%
Developmental
0%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
11102102020100%
Knowledge Area
111 - Conservation and Efficient Use of Water;

Subject Of Investigation
0210 - Water resources;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;
Goals / Objectives
The long-term goal of this multidisciplinary, integrated (research, education, and extension) project is to utilize engineering principles to develop and test advanced concepts and technologies, to help farmers improve the efficiency of water, energy, and plant nutrients use in agricultural production, to optimize farm profit while minimizing the effect of production practices on the environment. The specific research, Extension, and education objectives are:RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:To develop an intelligent overhead irrigation system for site-specific, variable-rate irrigation applications based on real-time soil moisture.To develop a variable-rate Nitrogen (N) application equipment, which can be retrofitted onto a variable-rate overhead irrigation system. The system should utilize real-time optical sensor data to calculate N requirements and apply N independently of irrigation water flow.To develop the combined IWNP system and evaluate its performance with respect to design specifications and its effects on water, energy, and N use efficiencies in crop productions and to develop practical guidelines for N fertigation rates and frequency through an overhead irrigation system.To determine the economic and environmental impact of the IWNP program on farming systems in the Southeast.EXTENSION OBJECTIVES:To develop and disseminate a robust and innovative training program for producers, county agents, crop advisors, and consultants, and technology providers to directly teach the IWNP system to interested clientele.EDUCATION OBJECTIVES:To incorporate the fundamentals of IWNP technology into the 'Advanced Precision Agriculture Science and Technology (AGM 8710)' and 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Agricultural Production (AGM 4730)' courses, offered to undergraduate & graduate students at Clemson University.
Project Methods
The combined water and nutrient management technique called the 'Intelligent Water and Nutrient Placement - (IWNP)' system that will be developed under this project, will utilize smart sensing and model-based decision support systems that could be readily adopted by farmers on both small and large scales. This advanced technology will make it much easier and cost-effective for farmers to apply irrigation water and nutrients (i.e. Nitrogen) where, when, and in the amount needed to meet crop requirements. The new system which could be retrofitted on existing overhead irrigation equipment will automate site-specific irrigation and fertigation applications based on real-time sensor data (soil moisture sensors installed on-site and optical sensors mounted on the irrigation system) or prescription maps developed using data from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The system will also respond to spatial variability resulting from changes in soil types, land use, crop types, and topography. This project will also devise and implement an aggressive outreach training and educational program to hasten the adoption of the IWNP technology for site-specific irrigation and nutrient management. Furthermore, this project will incorporate the fundamentals of IWNP technology into formal courses to train the next generation of scientists and educators.

Progress 06/01/22 to 05/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:This project reached stakeholders interested in agricultural production and natural resources management during the reporting period. These stakeholders included farmers, crop consultants, county Extension agents, scientists, industry and government agency personnel, students, and policymakers. Efforts to reach these audiences included the presentation of project results at local farmer's meetings, regional and national conferences, and field days. Also, audiences were reached by integrating project results in student training and publishing articles in social media, newspapers, magazines, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Changes/Problems:Although we have made significant progress in this project, the pandemic created delays at the start of the project (described in the previous report). One of the critical delays was getting a graduate student to work on the project. The graduate student started in Fall 2022 instead of Fall 2021. We will need to request a no-cost extension of the project's end date to allow the student to conduct the field experiment during two growing seasons (2023 and 2024). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided a variety of opportunities for training and professional development. Some examples include: 1. A master's student completed his research and thesis, partially supported by this project. 2. In Fall 2022, a new student from a minority population was recruited to conduct his Ph.D. research supported by this project. 3. A post-Doc (funded by other sources), also from a minority population, received training on the technology being developed under this project. 4. The project team, including scientists, post-docs, students, and technicians, participated in and presented the project results at several conferences, contributing to their professional development and training. The presentations also contributed to the training and professional development of those conferences' audiences. 5. Two technicians were directly involved in the project and received training. For example, one of the technicians involved in the project wastrained and obtained her Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) pilot license. 6. The project team mentored and provided direct training for nine (9) undergraduate students. 8. Eight farmers participated in on-farm demonstrations of irrigation water management technologies. 9. Two county Extension agents were involved with the project and received training on some of the components of the project. 10. Presentations were made at two field days in 2022, and around 230 farmers attended. 11. A presentation was made in a training workshop for crop consultants in South Carolina. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of the project have been disseminated using a variety of avenues, including: (1) Presentations at the Edisto Research and Education Center on two field days. (2). Several oral and poster presentations at local, regional, national, and international conferences. (3) Four presentations about the project were made to USDA-ARS scientists in 2022. (4) One research article was published in international peer-reviewed journals. (5) Three media articles were published in newspapers and online resources, increasing awareness of the general population. (6) The project scientists participated in the direct training of crop consultants, county agents, and farmers via oral presentations in meetings, workshops, field days, and field demonstrations. (7) A project display was presented at a local STEM festival, which around 1,700 participants attended. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (1): We will continue to field-test and make additional improvements to the current sensor-based irrigation automation system. In 2023, we will repeat the irrigation automation field experiments conducted in 2022 with the lateral move irrigation system and the subsurface drip irrigation system. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (2): In 2023, we will install and evaluate the performance of the new redesigned Nitrogen fertigation system on a center pivot irrigation system. We will use the new automation system to conduct an irrigation and nitrogen fertigation field experiment with cotton in the summer of 2023. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (3): The new combined water and N automation system will be finalized and installed on a center pivot at the Edisto Research and Education Center. A field experiment will be conducted in 2023 to evaluate the system's performance and to obtain data to assess its economic and environmental benefits. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (4): A field experiment will be conducted in 2023 to obtain data to evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of the new combined water and N application system. An economic analysis will be conducted in Fall 2023 using the field experiment results. EXTENSION OBJECTIVE (1): We will continue to find opportunities to disseminate the project results via various Extension and outreach activities. EDUCATION OBJECTIVES (1): We will continue to train students in this project's technologies by providing opportunities for them to develop capstone projects. We will also incorporate the fundamentals of IWNP technology into the 'Advanced Precision Agriculture Science and Technology (AGM 8710)' and 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Agricultural Production (AGM 4730)' courses offered to undergraduate & graduate students at Clemson University. This task will be achieved by arranging for the project team (via Dr. Koc) to participate as guest lecturers in these classes and by presenting the project results to the on-campus audience during internal workshops, conferences, and other opportunities.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (1): To develop an intelligent overhead irrigation system for site-specific, variable-rate irrigation applications based on real-time soil moisture. In 2021, we developed the electronics and software to accomplish this objective. The prototype for the new sensor-based irrigation automation system was installed in a two-span lateral move irrigation system, which was converted to VRI technology. Field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to irrigate a cotton crop using the new system automatically. The experiments comprised four irrigation treatments and four replications (16 plots). Watermark soil moisture sensors were installed at three depths in each plot, and irrigation was initiated when different moisture levels were reached, depending on the irrigation treatment. The soil moisture data was sent via radio to the irrigation controller. The automation system performed successfully, with a few minor issues, during 2021 and 2022. We are repeating the field experiment during 2023 to fine-tune the irrigation automation system. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (2): To develop a variable-rate Nitrogen (N) application equipment that can be retrofitted onto a variable-rate overhead irrigation system. In 2021, we developed and field-tested a prototype system for N fertigation of a lateral move irrigation system. The system utilized real-time optical sensor data (NDVI) to calculate N requirements and apply N independently of irrigation water flow. A field experiment was conducted to test the system as part of a master's thesis. As a result of this work, a peer-reviewed journal article describing the system was published in 2022, and a master's thesis was published in December 2021. Although the system electronics and software operated reasonably well, the field experiment results revealed opportunities for potential improvements. In 2023, the chemigation system was redesigned and improved based on the experience obtained during the previous field experiment. The new design will be installed and tested in the field in the summer of 2023. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (3): To develop the combined Intelligent Water and Nitrogen Placement (IWNP) system and evaluate its performance with respect to design specifications and its effects on water, energy, and N use efficiencies in crop productions and to develop practical guidelines for N fertigation rates and frequency through an overhead irrigation system. Based on our experience addressing objectives (1) and (2), we are currently developing the hardware and software for the combined water and N application system needed for objective (3). We have already converted a center pivot irrigation system to VRI technology, which will be used to test the new automation system in the field. We also developed the electronics and software for the combined water and N application system adapted to a center pivot. We also created prototypes to integrate NDVI and soil moisture sensors with data communication systems for real-time monitoring with the new water and nitrogen automation system. In 2022, we conducted a field experiment to test some of the components of the new system using a drip irrigation system. The new automation system is currently being installed on a center pivot irrigation system at the Edisto Research and Education Center. It will be used to conduct field experiments to test and evaluate the performance and potential benefits of the new technology in the summer of 2023. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (4): To determine the economic and environmental impact of the IWNP program on farming systems in the Southeast. Achieving this objective depends on first meeting objectives 1 to 3. As indicated above, in the summer of 2023, a field experiment will be conducted at the Edisto Research and Education Center to test and evaluate the performance of the new technology. This experiment will also collect data to assess the economic and environmental impact of using the new automation system to irrigate and fertilize a cotton field, compared with a traditional (non-automated) system. We expect to repeat the field experiment in 2024 to test the system under various weather conditions. EXTENSION OBJECTIVE (1): To develop and disseminate a robust and innovative training program for producers, county agents, crop advisors, consultants, and technology providers to directly teach the IWNP system to interested clientele. We have conducted numerous extension activities for different project components for diverse audiences. For example, during 2021-2023, we presented project results at several national and international conferences, local farmer's meetings, and field days at the Edisto Research and Education Center. We also conducted field demonstrations on farmer's fields using our Internet of Things (IoT) soil moisture monitoring system. We also published three journal articles to disseminate the results of this project to the scientific community. We also developed a new factsheet about variable rate irrigation technology (currently under review) for future training for farmers, county extension agents, and crop consultants. EDUCATION OBJECTIVES (1): To incorporate the fundamentals of IWNP technology into the 'Advanced Precision Agriculture Science and Technology (AGM 8710)' and 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Agricultural Production (AGM 4730)' courses offered to undergraduate & graduate students at Clemson University. To address this objective, the project team has contributed to training the new generation of stem scientists and engineers by advising undergraduate students taking the AGM 8710 class at Clemson University. The project team advised nine undergraduate students at Clemson University in 2022 and 2023. The team members served as mentors for three undergraduate students in Spring 2022 who conducted their senior capstone project developing a portable system to illustrate and demonstrate sensor-based variable-rate N application concepts. In Spring 2023, the project team mentored six undergraduate students who conducted their senior capstone projects on a sensor-based variable-rate N applicator and an Internet-of-Things (IoT) monitoring system for irrigation wells. Dr. Payero also presented a seminar about the project to undergraduate students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Clemson University in Fall 2022.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Sekaran, U., and Payero, J.O., 2023. Mapping and characterization of Center Pivot and Lateral Move Irrigation Systems in South Carolina using Quantum Geographic Information System. Journal of South Carolina Water Resources, 9(1):39-50.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Noh, E., Fallen, B., Payero, J.O., Narayanan, S. 2022. Parsimonious Root Systems and Better Root Distribution Can Improve Biomass Production and Yield of Soybean. PLOS ONE,17(6): e0270109. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270109.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O. 2022. Promotion of soil moisture sensor-based irrigation scheduling technology in SC. Presented at the 2022 SC Water Resources Conference, Columbia, SC, Oct 19-20, 2022.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O. 2022. Lateral move irrigation system automation using wireless soil moisture sensor network to irrigate cotton. Presented at the 2022 SC Water Resources Conference, Columbia, SC, Oct 19-20, 2022.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O. 2022. Economic and Environmental Benefits of Sensor-based Irrigation. Presentation at the Clemson foodForward Symposium, Clemson, SC, September 15, 2022.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O. 2022. Agricultural Water Management Research at the Edisto REC. Poster presented at the Clemson foodForward Symposium, Clemson, SC, September 15, 2022.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O., Sekaran, U., Turner, D., Hitchcock-Davis, R., Croft, J., Smith, N., Marshall, M. 2022. On-Farm Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud-Based Soil Moisture Monitoring Technologies for Irrigation Scheduling to Enhance Farm Profitability and Environmental Quality. Oral presentation at the 77th Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) International Annual Conference, July 31-Aug 3, Denver, CO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Sekaran, U., Payero, J.O. 2022. Mapping of center pivot irrigation systems in South Carolina. Research poster presented 77th Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) International Annual Conference, July 31-Aug 3, Denver, CO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Sekaran, U., Payero, J.O., Turner, D., Hitchcock-Davis, R., Croft, J., Smith, N., Marshall, M. 2022. Demonstrating sensors-based irrigation management in South Carolina. Research poster presented 77th Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) International Annual Conference, July 31-Aug 3, Denver, CO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Sekaran, U., Payero, J., Turner, D., Hitchcock-Davis, R., Croft, J., Smith, N., and Marshall, M. 2022. On-farm demonstration and promotion of soil moisture sensors-based irrigation management in South Carolina. 2022 UCOWR/NIWR Annual Water Resources Conference, June 14-14, Greenville, SC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J., Sekaran, U., Turner, D. 2022. Using a wireless sensor network to automate irrigation of cotton using a lateral move irrigation system. 2022 UCOWR/NIWR Annual Water Resources Conference, June 14-14, Greenville, SC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Sekaran, U., and Payero, J. 2022. Mapping of Center Pivot and Lateral Move Irrigation Systems in South Carolina. 2022 UCOWR/NIWR Annual Water Resources Conference, June 14-14, Greenville, SC.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Payero, J.O. 2023. Research to improve irrigation water management in South Carolina. Field demonstration presented at the Statewide PSA Tour, Edisto REC, Blackville, SC, May 25, 2023.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Payero, J.O., Hill, A.S. 2023. Using sensors and wireless communication to improve irrigation water management. A display presented at the 2023 DIG STEM Festival, May 6, 2023, Williston, SC.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O., Hill, A.S., Turner, D. 2022. Automating a drip irrigation system using real-time sensor data. Presented at the Edisto REC field day, Blackville, SC, September 22, 2022.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O., Hill, A.S. 2022. Using sensors for irrigation scheduling. Presented at the Pee Dee REC field day, Florence, SC, September 1, 2022.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O., Hill, A.S. 2022. On-farm demonstration of sensor-based irrigation scheduling. Poster presented at the CU-CAT (Clemson University Center for Agricultural Technology) launch event, Clemson, SC, August 31, 2022.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O., Hill, A.S. 2022. Using a wireless-sensor networks for irrigation automation. Field presentation to group of students from the Piedmont Tech Class visiting the Edisto REC, August 29, 2022, Blackville, SC.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O., Hill, A.S. 2022. Using the Internet Of things (IoT) and wireless-sensor networks for soil irrigation automation. Field presentation to T-Mobile group visiting the Edisto REC, August 16, 2022, Blackville, SC.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O. et al. 2022. Conducted six on-farm demonstrations of sensor-based irrigation scheduling technologies.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Attaway, D. 2022. "Clemson Agronomic and Vegetable Field Day Highlights Latest Research/Technology" Published in ClemsonNews, October 10, 2022. https://news.clemson.edu/clemson-agronomic-and-vegetable-field-day-highlights-latest-technology-research/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Attaway, D. 2022. "Clemson Agronomic and Vegetable Field Day Highlights Latest Research/Technology" Published in Morning AgClips, October 10, 2022. https://www.morningagclips.com/clemson-agronomic-and-vegetable-field-day-highlights-latest-research-technology/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Attaway, D. 2022. "Pee Dee REC Field Day teaches about cotton, cover crops, pollinators and more." Published in ClemsonNews, September 13, 2022. https://news.clemson.edu/pee-dee-rec-field-day-teaches-about-cotton-cover-crops-pollinators-and-more/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Payero, J.O. 2023. Using sensors for improving agricultural water management. Invited Speaker at The University of South Carolina-Aiken Department of Biology and Geology Spring Seminar Series, March 17, 2023, Aiken, SC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O. 2022. Applications of Sensors and Other Digital Technologies in Agriculture. Oral presentation at the USDA-ARS Sugar Beet and Bean Research Unit, November 28, 2022, East Lansing, MI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O. 2022. Using Digital Technologies in Irrigation Water Management. Oral presentation at the Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School. November 14, 2022, Ocean City, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O. 2022. Measuring and Modeling Bio-Physical Interactions within the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere System. Oral presentation to USDA-ARS Scientists at the Adaptive Cropping Systems Laboratory (ACSL), November 4, 2022, Beltsville, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Payero, J.O. 2022. Application of Digital Technologies in Agricultural Water Management. Newman Seminar, presented at Clemson University, SC, October 28, 2022.


Progress 06/01/21 to 05/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:During the reporting period, this projectreachedstakeholders interested in agricultural production and natural resources management. These include farmers, crop consultants, county Extension agents, scientists, industry and government agency personnel, students, and policy-makers. Efforts to reach these audiences included the presentation of project resultsat local farmer'smeetings, presentations at regional and national conferences, presentations during field days, integrating project resultsed instudent training, publishing articles in social media, newspapers, magazines, and peer-reviewedscientific journals. Changes/Problems:Although we have made significant progress in this project, the pandemic has presentedchallenges. Some of these challenges include: 1. We have had difficulties and delays in getting supplies needed for the project. For example, we developed a soil moisture monitoring system based on cellular technology. The system uses a microcontroller that has been out of stock since October of 2021 due to the lack of electronic chips. 2. We have had lock downs due to the pandemic, which have made it challenging to conduct Extension and outreach activities and participate in professional development and training activities. 3. We have had delays employing a grad student to work in this project. Last year we recruited a graduate student from overseas to do his Ph.D. working on this project. We expected the student to start in the Fall 2021 orSpring 2022. But, due to delays in visa processing internationally, the student just recently got his student visa and willstart in the Fall 2022. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided a variety of opportunities for training and professional development. Some examples include: 1. A Master's student completed his research and thesis, partially supported by this project. 2. A new student from a minority population has been recruited to conduct his Ph.D. research supported by this project (starting in Fall 2022). 3. A post-Doc (funded by other sources), also from a minority population,has received training on the technology being developed under this project. 4. The project scientists and students, participated and presented results of the project at several conferences, which contribute to their profesional development and training. The presentations also contributed to the training and professional development of the audience attending those conferences. 5. Three technicians were directly involved in the project and received training. 6. Three undergraduate students were mentored by the project team and received direct training. 7. One undergraduate student was hired to assist inthe field research in the summer of 2022, receivedtraining. 8. Six farmers participated in on-farm demonstration of irrigation water management technologies. 9. Two county Extension agents were involved with the project andreceived training on some of the components of the project. 10. Presentations were made at two field days during 2021 and 2022, which were atteded by around 100 farmers each. 11. Apresentation was made ina training workshop for crop consultants in South Carolina. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of the project have been disseminated using a variety of avenues, including: (1) Presentations at twofield days at the Edisto Research and Education Center. (2). Several oral and poster presentations at variouslocal, regional, national, and international conferences. (3) Two research articles were publishedin international peer-reviewed journals. (4) A thesis was published from the results of this project, and a Master's student graduated, contributing to workforce development and the training of the new generation of agricultural professionals. (5) Several media articleswere published in newspapers and online resources increasing awareness of the general population. (6) The project scientists participatedi in direct training of crop consultants, county agents, and farmers via oral presentations in meetings, workshops, field days, and field demonstrations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (1): We will continue to field-test and make additional improvents to the current sensor-based VRI automation prototype. This year we developed a prototype for an automaiton system, which is fully based on cellular technology, rather than radio communication. We are now conducting a field experiment to test this prototype in the field using a drip system. If this test is successful, we intend to adapt the cellular system to be usedwith a center pivot instead of a drip system. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (2): During 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, we will modifythe current N automation system prototype to improve the application uniformity and facilitate implementation of the technology. These modifications will require testing and integrating new sensors and equipment to make the system easier to use and more robust. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (3): During 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, the development of the hardware and software for the combined water and N automation system will be finalized. A new prototype will be fabricated and installedon a center pivot system at the Edisto Research and Education Center. In the summer of 2023, a field experiment will be conducted to evaluate the performance of the system, and to obtain data to evaluate its economic and environmental benefits. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (4): A field experiment will be conducted in 2023 to obtaindata to evaluate theeconomic and environmental benefits of the new combined water and N application system. An economic analysis will be conducted in the Fall of 2023 using the results of the field experiments. EXTENSION OBJECTIVE (1): We will continue to find opportunities to disseminate the results of the project via a variety of Extension and outreach activities. EDUCATION OBJECTIVES (1): We will continue to train students in the technologies of this project by providing opportunities for them to developcapstone projects. We will alsoincorporate the fundamentals of IWNP technology into the'Advanced Precision Agriculture Science and Technology (AGM 8710)' and 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Agricultural Production (AGM 4730)' courses, offered to undergraduate & graduate students at Clemson University. This task will be achieved by arranging for the project team (via Dr. Koc) to participate as guess lecturers in these classes and by presenting the results of the project to the on-campus audience during internal workshops, conferences, and other opportunities.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (1):To develop an intelligent overhead irrigation system for site-specific, variable-rate irrigation applications based on real-time soil moisture. In 2021, we developed the electronics and software to accomplish this objective. The protype for the new sensor-based irrigation automation sytem was installed in atwo-span lateral move irrigation system, which was convertedto VRI technology. A field experiment was conducted in 2021 to automatically irrigate a cotton crop using the new system. The experiment consisted of four irrigation treatments and four replications (16 plots). Watermark soil moisture sensors were installed at three depths in each plot and irrigation was initiated when different moisture levels were reached, depending on the irrigation treatment.The soil moisture data was sent via radio to the irrigation controller. The automation system performed sucessfully, with a few minor issues, during 2021. We are repeating the field experiment in 2022 to further test and fine-tune the irrigation automation system. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (2):To develop a variable-rate Nitrogen (N) application equipment, which can be retrofitted onto a variable-rate overhead irrigation system. In 2021, we developed and field-tested a prototype system for N fertigation of a lateral more irrigation system. The system utilized real-time optical sensor data (NDVI) to calculate N requirements and apply N independently of irrigation water flow. A field experiment was conducted to test the system as part of a Master's thesis. As a result of this work, a peer reviewed journal article describing the systemwas published in 2022 and a Master's thesis was published in December, 2021. Although the system electronics and software operated as expected, the results of the field experiment revealedsome guidance and direction for potential improvements, which we are currently addressing. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (3): To develop the combined Intelligent Water and Nitrogen Placement (IWNP) system and evaluate its performance with respect to design specifications and its effects on water, energy, and N use efficiencies in crop productions and to develop practical guidelines for N fertigation rates and frequency through an overhead irrigation system. Based on our experience addressing objective (1) and (2) we are currentlydeveloping the hardware and software for the combined water and N application system needed for objective (3). We have already converted a center pivot irrigation system to VRI technology, which will be used to test the new automation system in the field. We have made good progress developing the electronics and software for the combined water and N application system adapted to a center pivot. In 2022, we are conducting a field experiment to test some of the components of the new system using a drip irrigation system, which onces tested, will be adapted to the center pivot system.We expect the new automation system to be ready and installed in the field by Spring 2023. In the summer of 2023, the new automatic system will be used to conduct field experiments to test and evaluate the performance of the new technology. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE (4):To determine the economic and environmental impact of the IWNP program on farming systems in the Southeast. Achieving this objective depends on first meeting objectives 1 to 3. As indicated above, in 2023 a field experiment will be conductedto test and evaluate the performance of the new technology. In this experiment, data will also be collected to evaluate the economics and enviromental impact of the system, compared with a traditional, non-automated system. In 2022 we created an online softwareto calculate irrigation pumping cost depending on an energy source which will be used to performthe economic analysis. In addition, we developed a beta version of a software to calculate and comparethe economic and financial feasibility of investing in irrigation technology, which will also be used to conduct the economic analysis needed for this project. EXTENSION OBJECTIVE (1): To develop and disseminate a robust and innovative training program for producers, county agents, crop advisors, and consultants, and technology providers to directly teach the IWNP system to interested clientele. Although the project is in its first year, we have already conducted numerous extension activities related to diffrent components of the project, addressed to different audiences. For example, during 2021-2022 wepresented project results at several national and international conferences, local farmer's meetings, and field days conducted at the Edisto Research and Education Center.We also conducted field demonstrations on farmer's fields using our IoT soil moisture monitoring system. We also published two journal articlesto disseminate the results of this project to the scientific community and developed a new factsheet about variable rate irrigation technology to be used in future trainings for farmers, county extension agents, and crop consultants. EDUCATION OBJECTIVES (1):To incorporate the fundamentals of IWNP technology into the 'Advanced Precision Agriculture Science and Technology (AGM 8710)' and 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Agricultural Production (AGM 4730)' courses, offered to undergraduate & graduate students at Clemson University. To address this objective, the project team mentored a Master's student who developed his thesis on the N automation component of this project. We also mentored three undergraduate students in Spring 2022 who conducted their senior capstone projectdeveloping a portable system to illustrate and demonstrate the concepts of sensor-based variable-rate N application.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Payero, J.O., Cooper, B., Sekaran, U., Hitchcock Davis, R., Croft, J.K, Smith, N., and Marshall, M.W. 2021. Promoting Sensor-based Irrigation Scheduling in South Carolina. Presented at the 2021 ASABE Annual International Meeting, July 12-16, 2021. Virtual Event.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Payero, J.O., Cooper, B., Sekaran, U., 2021. Mapping of Center Pivot Irrigation Systems in South Carolina. Presented at the 2021 ASABE Annual International Meeting, July 12-16, 2021. Virtual Event.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Bell, S., Koc, B., Maja, J.M., Payero, J.O., Marshall, M., and Khalilian, A. 2021. Development and Testing of an Active Remote Sensor-Based Nitrogen Application System Integrated with a Lateral Move Irrigation System. 2021 ASABE Annual International Meeting, July 11-14, 2021. Virtual Event.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Payero, J.O., Cooper, B., Sekaran, U., Hitchcock Davis, R., Croft, J.K, Smith, N., and Marshall, M.W. 2021. Demonstrating the use of Sensor-based Irrigation in South Carolina. Presented at the 2021 Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) Annual International Meeting, July 26-28, 2021. Virtual Event.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Bell, S.; Koc, A.B.; Maja, J.M.; Payero, J.; Khalilian, A.; Marshall, M. 2022. Development of an Automated Linear Move Fertigation System for Cotton Using Active Remote Sensing. AgriEngineering,4, 320334. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering4010022.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Bell, S. 2021. Development and evaluation of an automated linear move fertigation system for cotton using active remote sensing. Clemson University, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Master of Science thesis. December 2021.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Payero, J.O., Marshall, M.W., Davis, R., and Nafchi, A.M. 2021. Development and application of cell-phone-based Internet of things (IoT) systems for soil moisture monitoring. Agricultural Sciences, 12, 549-564. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2021.125035.