ATHENS, Ga. (Sept. 9, 2024) – Cotton, which contributes $5 billion to the United States’ economy through exports alone, faces escalating threats from climate change-induced droughts, creating an urgent need to optimize water management for this crop. Precision irrigation is an agricultural approach that provides water to crops at the right time, place and amount to improve growth. However, precision irrigation management requires specific information about how a crop’s water needs changes in various growing conditions, which researchers have not investigated for cotton, despite its economic importance. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is providing a $753,206 Seeding Solutions grant to the University of Georgia (UGA) to develop cotton-based precision irrigation strategies, ensuring optimal water use without compromising yield or profitability. UGA is providing matching funds for a total investment of $1,507,062.
“Every drop of water saved through precision irrigation management can potentially improve agroecosystem health,” said Dr. Kathy Boomer, FFAR scientific program director. “As global cotton demand increases, this research supports production while minimizing impacts on our water supplies in a cost-effective manner. ”
While estimates of crop water use based on generic plant models can be useful in managing the timing, location and amount of irrigation, a crop-specific estimation provides more accurate estimates and significant water savings. Researchers, led by UGA Professor of Crop and Soil Science Dr. John Snider, are studying how cotton crops planted across varied growing conditions throughout the Cotton Belt use water and sunlight to enhance our understanding of cotton’s growth and water use dynamics. Comparing these data to the generic model will allow researchers to determine the added value of the cotton-based estimates.
In addition, the project is integrating cotton-based irrigation advancements into accessible irrigation scheduling tools, empowering growers with actionable information. Cotton growers in the Southeastern U.S. and beyond will benefit from this research through improved water use efficiency, yield stability and enhanced economic productivity.
For more information about this grant, visit the Cotton-Based Precision Irrigation Improves Sustainability page on FFAR’s website.
