Computer modeling indicates the Automated Early Cascade Irrigation Shutoff or AECIS system being developed by USDA-ARS agronomists could help reduce the amount of water needed for levee-gate flood-irrigated rice.

But the scientists with the Delta Water Management Research Unit based at Arkansas State University want to take their research a step further by testing AECIS on farmer fields in the region served by the unit.

“For the next step with AECIS we’re looking for up to seven producers who would be willing to field test this system in 2022,” said Dr. Joe Massey, an agronomist with the USDA-ARS Delta Water Management Research Unit. Massey and Greene County, Ark., producer Clay Smith spoke during the virtual Arkansas Soil and Water Education Conference.

“Each cooperator would be supplied with a flood depth sensor and pump control system for free,” he said, adding that interested growers could get more details by emailing him at [email protected].

“I can see where this AECIS system would work over Multiple Inlet Rice Irrigation if you are unable to use MIRI on a cascade-flood rice field,” said Smith. “If you’re susceptible to getting a flood – the river gets out, for example – that messes up your polypipe every time you try to do MIRI, you could use AECIS on a cascade field to save water.”

Working group

Massey also discussed the formation of the Mid-South Irrigation Automation Working Group in 2021.

“We’re seeking producers, vendors and researchers who are interested in furthering and facilitating the development and use of irrigation automated technologies,” he said. “IUf you’re interested, you can email me or email [email protected].

“In summary, remote shutoff technology offered some benefits that were not expected, including being able to shut the well of when I was punching holes in polypipe,” said Smith. “That was a major benefit that I didn’t erven think of. Also, being able to turn it off during a thunderstorm or a rain shower can help.

“I was just thinking of being able to turn it on and off without having to drive to the well. We were using a basic automation strategy, and for the future I would like to go more advanced, maybe having a sensor in the field and letting it tell me if the well is on or off. Or, to go further than that, the sensor actually controlling the well.”

To view the presentation, click on the 24th annual Arkansas Soil and Water Education Conference icon on the www.arkswec.com website.