Agreement Number
NR243A750011G047
Awardee Name
WHATCOM CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Grant Type
On-Farm Trials
Project Title
Promoting widespread adoption of weather‐driven precision irrigation scheduling in Northwestern Washington
Awardee State/Territory
Washington
Involved States/territories
Washington
Award Year
2023
Start Date
End Date
Award Amount
$1,213,060.00
Production/Use
Farmland Agricultural
Resource Concern (Broad)
Water
Resource Concern (Specific)
Inefficient irrigation water use
Water Quantity
Conservation Practice(s)
Irrigation Water Management
Project Background
This project will promote widespread use of proven soil moisture and evapotranspiration‐based
precision irrigation decision making technologies in Northwestern Washington. Whatcom Conservation District will conduct multiple case studies implementing these tools with irrigated crops, including raspberries, blueberries, seed potatoes, grass, and mixed vegetables, with priority participation of historically underserved producers. The resultant wireless producer network of 66 real‐time field‐specific soil moisture sensors will be combined with the installation of six AgWeatherNet stations to increase spatial data resolution and locally calibrate Washington State University’s Irrigation Scheduler Mobile tool. Changes in producer irrigation decision processes due to implementation of the technology will be evaluated, as well as changes in irrigation water use efficiency, time savings, and associated economic benefits.
precision irrigation decision making technologies in Northwestern Washington. Whatcom Conservation District will conduct multiple case studies implementing these tools with irrigated crops, including raspberries, blueberries, seed potatoes, grass, and mixed vegetables, with priority participation of historically underserved producers. The resultant wireless producer network of 66 real‐time field‐specific soil moisture sensors will be combined with the installation of six AgWeatherNet stations to increase spatial data resolution and locally calibrate Washington State University’s Irrigation Scheduler Mobile tool. Changes in producer irrigation decision processes due to implementation of the technology will be evaluated, as well as changes in irrigation water use efficiency, time savings, and associated economic benefits.
Project Scale
Field-level
Multi-farm
Project targeted to Historically Underserved producers?
No
Awardee Technical Contact Name
Ken Wilhelm