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Scientists propose irrigation improvements

Lauren Quinn University of Illinois
May 26, 2021
May 26, 2021

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A new University of Illinois-led study identifies obstacles and solutions to improve performance and adoption of irrigation decision-support tools at the field scale.

University of Illinois

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Lauren Quinn University of Illinois

With threats of water scarcity complicating the need to feed a growing global population, it is more important than ever to get crop irrigation right. Overwatering can deplete local water supplies and lead to polluted runoff, while underwatering can lead to sub-optimal crop performance. Yet few farmers use science-based tools to help them decide when and how much to water their crops.

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Lauren Quinn is a media-communications specialist for the University of Illinois-College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The Department of Crop Sciences is in that college. Visit aces.illinois.edu for more information.