IRRIGATION AND MOISTURE SENSORS
Water is a precious resource that farmers, ranchers, and growers manage carefully. Across the U.S., about 56 million acres are irrigated, accounting for less than 20% of total crop land. Where irrigation takes place depends on local cropping patterns, climatic conditions, and surface and groundwater availability.
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Precision Irrigation
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Irrigation technology has evolved significantly in recent years, enabling farmers to apply only the necessary amount of water and avoid waste. Precision irrigation often involves using remote monitoring and sensors to control the flow of water, giving plants only the amount of moisture they need, when they need it. This creates a win-win situation for farm businesses and the environment – farmers are able to lower their costs of pumping water and achieve higher crop yields, while at the same time conserving precious water resources.
Five states – California, Nebraska, Arkansas, Texas, and Idaho – account for about half of all irrigated acres in the U.S.