BIOTIC: A Novel Method for Variable Rate Irrigation

Authors: Mahan, James; Wanjura, Donald

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/9/2007
Publication Date: 1/12/2007
Citation: Mahan, J.R., Wanjura, D.F. 2007. BIOTIC: A Novel Method for Variable Rate Irrigation[abstract]. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. January 9-12, 2007, New Orleans, Louisiana. CDROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The BIOTIC irrigation protocol was developed as an irrigation scheduling protocol that utilizes a biologically based temperature optimum to detect plant water deficits. BIOTIC provides full irrigation that is comparable to other methods under a variety of crops and environments. The utilization of an environmental time threshold allows the application of the protocol on irrigation systems in which there is a time delay between stress detection and irrigation application. Under variable rate irrigation conditions it is possible to modify the time threshold value in a manner that will control irrigation scheduling that results in the imposition and control of water deficits. Field experiments have demonstrated the utility of the approach in managing deficit irrigations in a that provides for a variable irrigation frequency with a defined amount of water or a set irrigation frequency with variable amounts of water application. Both approaches provide the potential for management of water deficits and the associated water savings required in many crop production systems.