IIC supported research project explores irrigation technologies for producing specialty crops

A 2022 project supported by Irrigation Innovation Consortium at Texas A&M AgriLife Research tested water management techniques for specialty crops, such as watermelons. The research compared mobile drip irrigation (MDI) and low-elevation sprinkler application (LESA) systems against traditional surface or stationary drip irrigation.  

Crop physiologist with the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and one of the lead researchers on this project, Dr. Qingwu Xue said, “Using less water is extremely attractive to irrigated crop production.”

Researchers want to reduce stress on the Ogallala Aquifer, especially during the peak summer months when it is becoming increasingly hot, dry, and windy in the High Plains. The MDI method, compared to the LESA, showed irrigation savings up to 4 inches, a higher yield per plant, and larger single fruit weight.