09/03/08 Leaves and pivot irrigation

Washington Ag September 3, 2008 Center pivot irrigation systems could soon be merged with a new automation technology. One that could provide better water management, decrease fertilizer runoff and provide cost savings. Steve Evett of the USDA's Agricultural Research Service in Texas says explains the time-temperature technology. Evett: "We actually have these infrared thermometers mounted on a center pivot lateral, which rotates around the field to irrigate the field to irrigate t he field. And the infrared thermometers sit on the lateral and they look at the crop, they look at the leaves. And they sense the temperatures of the leaf." Evett says this technology is applicable elsewhere in the U.S. such as the arid and semi-arid west. Evett: "Where we are irrigating out of stream flows that may not every year be as great as we'd hoped they would be." Evett says this technology could soon be available commercially. Evett: "We are talking with a pivot manufacturer about doing a cooperative research and development agreement. I won't name which manufacturer because that is still in the works. But we have the system developed to the point where there is commercial interest in getting on the actual center pivots that get sold to the farmer." Evett believes this technology will be important for the future as people try to get the most yield per unit of water they use. I'm Bob Hoff.