Visual soil water status indicator for improved irrigation management

A device to aid in irrigation scheduling by visually indicating current soil water status relative to an upper and lower set point was developed and field tested. The device can be used by farm managers to easily evaluate current soil water status from a distance. This information can be used to guide irrigation scheduling decisions throughout the season. Seven farm managers evaluated the device on seven commercial potato fields. Two study fields, one with and one without soil water status indicators, were established with each farm manager. Water application was measured in each field. Collectively, farm managers applied 7% (2.9 cm) less water to fields with the soil water status indicators than comparison fields. Average water application was significantly less (P=0.04) for fields with soil water status indicators. The basic elements of the soil water status indicator and its operation are presented.