Model-based irrigation management using a dynamic parameter adjustment method

An irrigation scheduling tool was developed around a previously developed system that adjusts key parameters influencing the water balance components of the PNUTGRO crop model. These parameters were adjusted as the system was used based on soil water sensor responses to drying. An expert system determined which sensor readings were valid before they could be used to adjust parameters. A field test of the irrigation scheduling algorithms indicated that sensors could be relied on less as better predictions of soil water status were made. Comparisons of two very different sensor-based scheduling environments (one for Florida and one for Virginia) indicated potential improvements to the algorithms.