Soil Moisture Sensors

In response to the Florida/Georgia water legislation, the University of Georgia established a team of researchers to examine the benefits, barriers and perceptions of farmers, consultants, and UGA Extension agents in implementing irrigation scheduling technology into their farming decisions. Soil moisture sensors and its accompanying smart technology have the ability to help farmers make responsible irrigating decisions to use water efficiently for maximum crop yield. The AgWET team is comprised of the technical, social science, and education and outreach. The social science team has been tasked with evaluating the impact of using soil moisture sensors in cotton and peanut fields in south Georgia. Using surveys and interviews, the team has worked with farmers, consultants and Extension agents to better understand farmers' adoption of technology to make efficient irrigation scheduling decisions. The data from the surveys indicated farmers were most likely to respond to online and mobile-friendly surveys, rather than paper or text message surveys. The data also indicated farmers are conscientious of their use of water in their irrigation scheduling decisions. Most interestingly, farmers indicate water use is of great importance, but do not believe it is a direct issue on their farm. Farmers recognize the use of water is a national or state issue, but not on their farm or in their county. The research will address barriers of adoption and attitudes toward technology integration in farming practices to utilize water and natural resources efficiently. The results from this research will be used to provide farmers, agents, and consultants with accessible technology to meet their needs and efficiently use Georgia water.