FRSWCD + Water Conservation District Smart Irrigation Field Day Event

On February 21, the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District held a Smart Irrigation Field Day in Colquitt, Georgia. Smart Irrigation refers to the application of irrigation water at the time it is needed, in the amount it is needed, where it is needed. This term encompasses many technologies and practices, including irrigation scheduling, remote irrigation control, variable rate irrigation, and more.

“There are so many folks ranging from farmers to researchers to local and federal agencies that are doing so much in the development and adoption of innovative technologies,” says Perri Cooper, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District Executive Director. “It’s always great to bring these stakeholders into one space to share ideas, questions, progress and foster collaboration.”

30 attendees, ranging from local farmers, USDA personnel, UGA Extension representatives, and other conservation stakeholders convened to learn about the latest research in irrigation technologies, cost-share programs, and to see Smart Irrigation in practice.

Dr. George Vellidis, professor at the University of Georgia, kicked off the field day with an in-depth look at irrigation scheduling hardware—including both watermark and capacitance soil moisture sensors—as well as software tools, including Irrigator Pro and SmartIrrigation Apps.

Vellidis highlighted that while currently Irrigator Pro is only compatible with watermark sensors, the development team plans to launch an updated version of the app compatible with capacitance sensors for the 2024 growing season. In addition, the newest SmartIrrigation App, CropFit, was released earlier this month.

Next, Darron Felton and Debbie Henry with USDA-NRCS highlighted cost share programs available to improve irrigation water management through EQIP. They noted that purchasing irrigation hardware or working with an irrigation consultant are both eligible for cost-share, depending on how a farmer may wish to incorporate smart irrigation into their operation. In addition, NRCS provided an update of additional funding through the Inflation Reduction Act announced this week which will focus on energy efficiency upgrades.

Lastly, attendees heard from host farmer Rodney Bryan on retrofits to his 1974 center pivot system that have improved its efficiency, as well as from Terrel County ANR agent Seth McAllister on how he works with farmers to make decisions on smart irrigation practices.

“It’s about cost and convenience,” Seth commented. “These tools may not save you turning on your pivot on some seasons, but you’ll be turning it on when you know you really need it.”

Following the field day, attendees gathered for lunch prepared by Calhoun County and Miller County Young Farmers. 

This materials is based on work supported by the Georgia Power Foundation. The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org.  Learn more about Smart Irrigation at smartirrigationgeorgia.com.

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The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District leads several Smart Irrigation projects and outreach initiatives aimed at improving water use efficiency, profitability, and best management practices on farms across the region. Visit our Smart Irrigation website to learn more about Smart Irrigation tools, such as Variable Rate Irrigation, irrigation scheduling, and soil moisture monitoring.

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