Does precision irrigation add profitability for Kansas farmers?Does precision irrigation add profitability for Kansas farmers?

TAPS on Tap: The KSU-Testing Ag Performance Solutions team offers insights into precision ag tools.

January 22, 2025

3 Min Read
irrigation equipment in field
IRRIGATION: The Kansas State University Testing Ag Performance Solutions team is working with farmers to show that precision irrigation can be used to apply the optimal amount of water, reducing over- or under-application. Jennifer M. Latzke

By Kelsey Stremel

Welcome to TAPS on Tap, a new column by the Kansas State University Testing Ag Performance Solutions team. TAPS offers farmers a unique platform to experiment with innovative technologies like precision irrigation and farm management strategies in a risk-free, competitive setting. The program connects researchers, farmers and industry professionals through real-world farm management scenarios to pursue more sustainable and profitable irrigation management.

In this series for Kansas Farmer, we’ll dive into the data, strategies and stories that help farmers tackle challenges and maximize resources on the High Plains.

Precision irrigation is a data-driven approach that uses advanced tools such as soil moisture and plant sensors, decision support tools and GPS-guided variable rate irrigation systems to apply the optimal amount of water. This method addresses two significant challenges for Kansas farmers: increasing profitability and conserving water from the High Plains Aquifer, a resource under considerable stress.

Kansas farmers rely heavily on irrigation, with 85% of diverted groundwater and surface water used for agricultural irrigation. A K-State study examining land values in western Kansas found that irrigated land is worth 53% more than nonirrigated land, reflecting water’s immense economic importance. The High Plains Aquifer adds an estimated $3.8 billion to Kansas cropland. However, its depletion highlights the urgency for the development and use of precision irrigation tools.

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Research shows that precision irrigation can significantly impact farm economics by delivering water precisely where and when it is needed. By strategically applying water resources, farmers can reduce wastage, optimize energy usage and enhance crop yields. Souza and Rodrigues (2002) found that precision irrigation techniques can achieve energy savings of up to 4.8%, while variable rate irrigation (VRI) systems can increase profitability by up to 16.4%. These savings stem from precise water applications, avoiding over- or under-irrigation and optimizing crop yields.

Despite these benefits, adoption remains limited.

According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture, only 12% of Kansas farms reported using soil moisture sensors. Many farmers are hesitant to front the initial cost of unfamiliar technologies, especially when tight margins and the payoff may not be immediate. Additionally, installing and managing tools such as soil moisture sensors requires both time and expertise, which can deter farmers who are already stretched thin by the demands of their operations.

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Programs like TAPS are critical in bridging this gap. Participants of K-State’s 2024 TAPS competition at the Northwest Research-Extension Center in Colby, Kan., had the option to use soil moisture probes and plant sensors from Sentek, AquaSpy, GroGuru, CropX, Arable and Phytech. In past TAPS competitions, 86% of producers indicated they adopted new ag management practices at home, at least on a trial basis, based on their experience with the program.

So, where can your farm improve its irrigation strategy this year?

As farmers confront water scarcity and rising production costs, VRI and soil moisture sensors provide actionable solutions with the potential to improve the bottom line.

Experiment with these technologies and learn more by joining TAPS; catch up with the data here in Kansas Farmer; follow us on X, Facebook or Instagram @KSUTAPS; or read our newsletter at www.k-state.edu/taps and explore how precision irrigation is being used to maximize every drop while boosting the bottom line.

Stremel is the Western Kansas Research-Extension Center communications and marketing specialist, based out of Hays, Kan. Learn more about KSU-TAPS at www.k-state.edu/taps or follow @KSUTAPS on X, Facebook and Instagram.

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