A four-year project investigating the effects of fertigation of nitrogen (N) on canola and wheat in southern Alberta, Canada, found some interesting results.
The irrigation study, undertaken by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF) researchers, compared spring-banded nitrogen (N) to spring-banded N plus fertigation at three plant growth stages for spring wheat and canola over four years from 2013 through 2016. The objectives were to quantify the yield and quality effects of N fertigation applied to wheat and canola, and to determine the financial implications for growers.
According to Doon Pauly, agronomy research scientist with AAF in Lethbridge, Alberta, fertigation has been used in more horticulture type situations where drip systems are used. “But as far as our field crops, there has been very little actual research because it’s so awkward to do,” he said.
“It has definitely been advocated as the optimal way to fertilize, because you’re essentially spoon-feeding the crop.”
In the past 25 years, the majority of farmers in irrigated areas in Alberta have shifted to very efficient low pressure centre pivot irrigation which requires less energy, and more of the water that passes through the system gets into the soil. Indeed, more than 75 percent of irrigated land in Alberta is now irrigated with low pressure pivot systems (Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, 2017). Pivot irrigation also allows for the easy application of fertilizer through the irrigation system.
Nitrogen is often the most limiting nutrient for cereal and oilseed production, two of the most grown crops in Western Canada. Most Alberta cereal and oilseed growers apply sufficient N for the entire growing season prior to, or at the time of seeding. However, short season crops like wheat and canola take up very little N in the first month after seeding and then enter a period of rapid N uptake and vegetative growth during the second month, or slightly longer, after seeding (Malhi et al, 2007b; Clark et al, 1990). In theory, if N could be delivered to the crop as it is needed, it should be utilized more efficiently than large amounts of fertilizer applied long before it is needed by the crop.
But not every crop – or fertigation method – is created equally, as Pauly discovered in his research. In this project, a full range of N fertilizer (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N per ha) was applied at the time of seeding to wheat and canola, and subsequently supplemented with no fertigation, 30 kg N per ha at one of three different growth stages, or fertigated with a total of 90 kg N per ha from 30 kg fertigations at each of those three growth stages. The growth stages for the fertigations were: 5-6 leaf stage for both wheat and canola, flag leaf for wheat and bolting for canola, and anthesis in wheat and flowering for canola.
Photo: Allan Middleton, Senior Research Technologist, AAF.
Although the study found there is no agronomic value to fertigating canola early in the growing season, there is also no detrimental effect from this practice based on the N rate and irrigation amount used in the project.
Pauly said canola producers may want to fertigate a portion of their crops’ requirements for management reasons, rather than apply all N at seeding.
New Ag International SEPT/OCT 2020
“For canola, fertigation provided no agronomic advantage compared to fertilizing at the time of seeding only,” said Pauly.
“In fact, the results indicate that some of the fertigation timings were either too late in the growing season to be a benefit to canola, or perhaps that fertigation on flowering canola might have injured the crop.”
At comparable N application rates, wheat yield was similar whether that N was applied at seeding, or fertigated during the growing season. However, when N was fertigated, there was the benefit of an increase in wheat protein levels, and this protein benefit was greatest when fertigation occurred at anthesis for single fertigations, or included an anthesis application as was the case in the multiple fertigation treatment.
With wheat, the economic value of the project hinged on the value of wheat protein in the marketplace. If protein premiums are lower than current 10-year average values for 13.5 percent protein in Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat, then there is little or no economic value to fertigating. On the other hand, if each 0.5 percent protein increase above 13.5 percent was worth $25 per tonne, an application of 30 kg N per ha at anthesis in addition to appropriate amounts of N applied earlier in the growing season could generate CDN$150 kg per ha of additional net revenue.
“Unfortunately, at the anthesis staging, producers have little solid evidence to know if there will be premiums for wheat protein or what those premiums may be,” noted Pauly.
While there was certainly valuable information to take away from the research, Pauly said the real challenge was the methodology behind the research.
“Multiple N rate, replicated fertigation research is logistically difficult,” he said. “We had to keep treatments isolated, and there was a whole lot of non-plot area. A sprinkler doesn’t just water the plot that it’s above. On our system the sprinklers are two metres apart … so the plot might be getting water and fertilizer from the sprinkler that’s running down the edge of that plot, the next one over and the next one over, because the sprinklers throw it six metres to the side. So that’s why to make sure treatments are isolated, you just have to have these things spread out so far. It’s got a lot of inherent limitations.”
To review the final research paper, visit this website.
Cloud cover is one of the limiting factors in using satellite imaging for agricultural applications.
Israeli company Manna Irrigation was founded in 2016 as a subsidiary of Rivulis, the world’s second largest producer of drip irrigation technology. Eyal Mor, CEO of Manna Irrigation since its establishment, was given the challenge by Rivulis to design and build a unique product that incorporated precision agriculture and irrigation. “The idea was to find the niche, and leverage Rivulis’ long established expertise in drip irrigation, explained Mor. “It had to be related to irrigation; we didn’t want to develop a product with sensors, another ‘me-too’ product. The outcome was an irrigation recommendation system, based on satellite imagery, hyper-local weather and agronomic know-how, without the need to install any hardware in the field.” The lack of hardware is central to the concept that Mor developed, and has helped the company to penetrate a number of international markets in a short period of time. “The solution is a global one, we don’t need local maintenance, no shipments (of hardware), no spare parts, and we don’t use drones.” As well as a local presence in Israel, Manna Irrigation is active in 10 countries: Australia, New Zealand, India, Spain, Italy, Turkey, France, U.S., Mexico and Brazil. Through the company’s Rivulis network, it is effectively active in additional territories including in South America, and is also in the early stages of becoming active in North Africa.
Eyal Mor, CEO, Manna Irrigation
Weather forecast With 17 full-time employees, Manna Irrigation is based in the Jezreel Valley, Israel, on the same campus as Rivulis. Customers subscribe to Manna’s service, which they can access through a mobile phone or desktop computer. Having entered the geographic borders for specific fields, the algorithms behind the software go to work and provide precise irrigation recommendations. As well as using various parameters from satellite imagining, which Manna Irrigation uses in its soil/water balance, the company works with a global weather data provider. Manna Irrigation uses forecast weather data to modify its recommendations – for example, if a heat wave is expected in the next week then the recommendation will be adjusted accordingly, considering on the crop and the phonologic stage. The software provides a weather forecast for 14 days ahead, and 10 years of historical data. Mor explained that providing an irrigation plan for 14 days ahead is important in some countries, since water for irrigation often needs to be ordered with the authorities in advance.
Other parameters “Weather is one aspect. Manna covers all aspects of irrigation decision,” explained Mor. The parameters obtained from satellite information are translated into water demand for a particular crop at a particular growth stage. Other questions are also factored in, such as the status of the soil moisture, the soil salinity and the field topography. Irrigation system efficiency is another consideration – if 20mm is needed for the plant, what should be the amount of irrigation? For a drip system it is probably 21mm (efficiency is 95 percent,) while pivot would require more since its efficiency is significantly lower, noted Mor. “Each farmer must consider these parameters, and therefore, most of the decisions taken without evaluating the complete picture are not optimised,” according to Mor.
Field comparisons
But how does Manna Irrigation know that it is getting it right? Mor said Manna Irrigation conducts what they call side-by-side experiments. This is where two fields, side-by-side, are used to compare the Manna recommendation against the grower practices. Mor said they measure yield and water consumption, and have conducted these tests on 12 crops. According to Mor, all tests have shown a 10 percent improvement on water-use efficiency. Growers are unable to easily make this comparison, said Mor, but water consumption and yield can be measured and compared. “The Manna product gives peace of mind once you trust the system … so that’s one major problem off the grower’s decision list.”
New improvements As well as offering free trials, the digital nature of the product also means Manna Irrigation can make continual improvements, and these come from customers, said Mor. The company has added three new additions to its functionality. The first is being able to give a daily update on the soil/water balance. Secondly, the software can provide a recommendation based on constraints inputted by the user, such as not being able to irrigate on a particular day. Thirdly, Manna has added the ability to change the seasonal structure dynamically, which takes into account local changes in weather patterns and the particular crop involved. “If the growth stage timelines change dynamically, growers do not need to update the dates. The system automatically detects these changes and updates the algorithm accordingly.” Another change the company is working on with a third party is the ability to sense daily soil moisture from space.
Cloud penetration One of the inescapable hurdles to overcome is the need to find a solution to penetrate clouds. Up till now, Manna Irrigation has chosen its territories with this limitation in mind. But the company will soon be able to incorporate SAR – synthetic radar aperture – imagery, which can penetrate cloud cover. By the end of the year, Manna Irrigation intends to be supported by SAR satellite imagery. Taking the SAR data and combining it with the current input parameters will be no easy feat of digital engineering. As Mor confirmed, this really is the application of big data. “We’ve found a generic solution, but the solution will be adjusted for a specific location and crop. I can say that during 2020 we plan to launch a SAR solution for a specific family of crops.” In the first instance, this will be for a selection from Manna’s range of 45 crops that it covers. The markets of interest that will become available from this innovation are cloudy countries like China and Japan with huge business potential.
In January 2020, the Irrigation Association (IA) headed into the new year ready to begin plans for the annual Irrigation Show and Education Week to be held in San Antonio, Texas (U.S.), in December. This annual event is a hub of activity where the irrigation industry comes together to explore, connect and learn.
Unfortunately, as with many other 2020 events, the health and safety issues related to the coronavirus pandemic have caused the IA board of directors to cancel this year’s Irrigation Show. After thoroughly examining the options, the board determined the IA cannot guarantee the positive and rewarding experience that attendees and exhibitors have come to enjoy each year.
We know how the industry values this annual gathering of the profession, especially those of you who come from outside the United States. It is our goal that when you make the effort to attend an annual Irrigation Show, we want to ensure we are able to give you 100 percent of everything that you expect and deserve at such an event, all in a safe manner.
New virtual Education Week+ Although we cannot gather together in person in Texas, the IA is bringing some of its most valued show elements to you in a digital format this year through its new Education Week+. One of those elements is Industry Insights, which will be presented as a weekly webinar series providing attendees with the same quantity and quality information in an accommodating schedule.
Today’s irrigation industry is rapidly changing and evolving through innovative business practices, research and technology advancement. Your challenge is to keep up with what is new and relevant. Industry Insights is where irrigation professionals gather to hear about the latest industry trends, best practices and relevant topics — all from knowledgeable experts in the industry.
The Industry Insights for Agriculture will be held October 2020-March 2021 and feature 60-minute webinars covering a wide range of topics discussing the latest industry research, trends, best practices and how-tos.
New product contest Even in the midst of a global pandemic, innovation in our industry has continued. To ensure that you get to see the latest new products and technologies to hit the market in the last year, the IA is sponsoring its new product contest — in a virtual format.
Many aspects of the new product contest will be the same as in the past, but going online also offers new unique opportunities to benefit both those submitting products and those interested in learning about them. The official contest will still be judged by an expert panel of judges, and each applicant will have the opportunity to present their product with a five-minute presentation and question and answer session live via Zoom.
Anyone interested in checking out these innovative new products will have ample opportunity to browse the product pages online from Sept. 21 to Nov. 19. Another new twist this year is that the industry will have the opportunity to weigh in on their favourite products through a “People’s Choice” voting page.
The official live online judging will take place Nov. 16-19, and People’s Choice voting will open Nov. 2 and extend through Nov. 19. All winners will be announced on Nov. 20.
IA University The Irrigation Show has always been the ideal venue to get the most comprehensive and respected irrigation education available. These IA University courses provide the core curriculum for irrigation professionals. The classes teach the fundamental and practical skills necessary to design, install or maintain an irrigation system, as well as the business skills to manage a small irrigation company.
This year, IA University classes will be conducted online Nov. 30-Dec. 4. Courses will be available for beginning, intermediate and advanced level irrigation professionals, and will be taught by instructors with industry expertise and proven teaching experience.
Looking ahead to 2021 Please know that while our show may be cancelled, the IA continues its mission to promote efficient irrigation. While the challenges facing us all are strong, our resolve is stronger. We are a resilient industry with a bright future ahead.
We hope to “see” you virtually throughout the remainder of this year, and we look forward to gathering together again at the 2021 Irrigation Show and Education Week in San Diego, California, Dec. 6-10, 2021.
Until then, stay safe, stay positive and continue doing the essential work that is so critical to our society. Watch our website at www.irrigationshow.org for more information about Education Week+ and how you can participate.
The government of the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, announced the first steps of a generational project that will more than double the irrigable land in the province. Project construction is expected to occur approximately over the next 10 years in three main phases at a cost estimated at CDN$4 billion.
This year, $22.5 million is being invested as part of Phase 1 to immediately begin preliminary engineering and initial construction of the Westside Irrigation Project. Phase 1 of the project is estimated to cost $500 million and will include the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing Westside irrigation canal system. This work will increase the amount of irrigable land by 80,000 acres in the area. It is considered one of the most shovel ready irrigation projects in the province with 90 percent of the current canal already in place.
Phases 2 and 3 of the project are estimated to cost up to $3.5 billion.
Phase 2 will see the further expansion and buildout of the Westside Irrigation Project, adding an additional 260,000 acres of irrigable land. Phase 3 will see the buildout of the Qu’Appelle South Irrigation Project, adding an estimated 120,000 acres of irrigable land.
Saskatchewan accounts for more than two-fifths of Canada’s total field crop acreage with between 35-40 million acres. Canola and spring wheat (excluding durum) are the two largest crops in term of area, followed by lentils.
Precision Laboratories, provider of specialized chemistries applied to plants, seeds, soil and water to maximize resource and biological performance potential, expands its offering of irrigation water optimizers available in California with the registration of Stretta.
Stretta was introduced in 2019 and is the first plant-derived irrigation water optimizer with fertilizer compatibility. It improves the availability and performance of irrigation water, nutrients and other soil-applied products throughout the plant root zone, optimizing the growing environment.
As an irrigation water optimizer, Stretta maintains ideal moisture levels in the plant root zone, leading to enhanced soil-applied input performance and reduced plant stress. This results in improved crop quality, increased yield and maximized return on investment.
Stretta is part of Precision’s portfolio of irrigation water optimizers that includes Domino, Tolero, Corso and Quickin.
