HebdEau: a pilot project to develop sound irrigation management decision-support tools

Description

This project looks to develop decision-support tools informed by observations of “bellwether” plots and use these tools to disseminate relevant information to irrigators. A weekly advisory on the current situation (HebdEau) will report on the rainfall received, soil moisture conditions, water stress risks, and forecasted conditions over the following three days. At the end of those three days, or when the forecast calls for an unforeseen event (e.g., rain), an update report will be issued (ExpressEau). In addition, technical bulletins will be released throughout the summer to explain relevant irrigation management concepts and principles to farmers. HebdEau and ExpressEau will be produced with information collected from “bellwether” plots and from meteorological stations throughout the region.

Objective(s)

• Promote the adoption of sound irrigation management.
• Provide irrigation management decision-support tools to the agricultural community.
• Improve business efficiency (economic, agronomic, and environmental).