Variable Rate Irrigation Technology: A Step-by-Step Guide to Field Implementation
Vol. 2025 No. 2, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Vol. 2025 No. 2

Variable Rate Irrigation Technology: A Step-by-Step Guide to Field Implementation: AE609, 2/2025

Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering
https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ae609-2025
Published 2025-03-13
Haimanote Bayabil
University of Florida
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3480-3154
Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw
University of Florida
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0781-6278
Vivek Sharma
University of Florida
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8092-4355
Components of a zone control VRI system include control boxes along the span and a control panel, which is typically located on the water supply side of the irrigation system. Credits: Haimanote Bayabil, UF/IFAS.
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Keywords

irrigation rates
precision agriculture
irrigation management

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How to Cite

Bayabil, Haimanote, Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw, and Vivek Sharma. 2025. “Variable Rate Irrigation Technology: A Step-by-Step Guide to Field Implementation: AE609, 2 2025”. EDIS 2025 (2). Gainesville, FL. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ae609-2025.
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Abstract

This fact sheet explores variable rate irrigation (VRI) technology and its components and provides specific examples of field-scale applications of VRI technology with step-by-step guidelines for data collection, data interpreta­tion, developing VRI prescription maps, and uploading maps for implementation. Written by Haimanote Bayabil, Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw, and Vivek Sharma, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2025.

https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ae609-2025
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References

Evans, R. G., J. LaRue, K. C. Stone, and B. A. King. 2013. “Adoption of Site-Specific Variable Rate Sprinkler Irrigation Systems.” Irrigation Science 31 (4): 871–887. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-012-0365-x

Hedley, C. B., I. J. Yule, M. P. Tuohy, and I. Vogeler. 2013. “Key Performance Indicators for Simulated Variable-Rate Irrigation of Variable Soils in Humid Regions.” Transactions of the ASABE 56 (6): 1209–1222.

Kranz, W. L., R. G. Evans, F. R. Lamm, S. A. O'Shaughnessy, and R. T. Peters. 2012. “A Review of Mechanical Move Sprinkler Irrigation Control and Automation Technologies.” Applied Engineering in Agriculture 28 (3): 389–397. https://doi.org/10.13031/2013.41494

O'Shaughnessy, S. A., S. R. Evett, M. A. Andrade, F. Workneh, J. A. Price, and C. M. Rush. 2019. “Site-Specific Variable-Rate Irrigation as a Means to Enhance Water Use Efficiency.” Transactions of the ASABE 59 (1): 239–249. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.59.11165

Peters, R. T., and M. Flury. 2017. “Variable Rate Irrigation.” In Irrigation Systems Management Engineering, Field, and Laboratory Exercises. 283–298. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

Sadler, E. J., R. G. Evans, K. C. Stone, and C. R. Camp. 2005. “Opportunities for Conservation with Precision Irrigation.” Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 60 (6): 371–378.

Zotarelli, L., M. D. Dukes, and M. Paranhos. 2024. “Minimum Number of Soil Moisture Sensors for Monitoring and Irrigation Purposes: HS1222, 7/2013.” EDIS 2013 (7). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-hs1222-2013

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