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Optimized Water Management

Soil Health Framework
Optimized Water Management

What does this look like? 

Water management focuses on efficient, need-based irrigation that aligns with crop demand and controlled drainage to retain moisture in the field throughout the year. Irrigated areas are often accompanied by increased worm and insect activity, with soils staying moister with better aggregation throughout the growing season. Irrigation and rainwater are absorbed quickly, and the soil holds moisture longer between irrigation or rain events. Plant roots grow deeper with better water infiltration. 

Why is this helpful? 

Soil moisture is a critical aspect of building soil health as a driver of biological activity and soil aggregation. Improving soils with proper moisture management, including irrigation, leads to soils that require less irrigation over time. Irrigation not only supports plant growth, but it can also help soils maintain biological activity and increase soil organic matter. Soils with higher organic matter, improved structure, and active root systems enhance water infiltration, storage, and availability, helping reduce both drought stress and excess water loss. 

 

Engaged Advanced Leading
Irrigation (if applicable) is schedules for periods with low evaporation and programmed to meet crop demand. Irrigation systems are properly evaluated and maintained to deliver uniform applications and known quantities of water. Irrigation decisions are informed by soil moisture sensors and/or evapotranspiration-based scheduling. In field tile drain locations are known precisely, and tile is installed only where necessary. Irrigation precisely matches crop water use. Advanced water conservation practices are implemented factoring soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and weather forecasts. Where appropriate, tile drain flow is managed to reduce excess water loss and improve year-round soil moisture retention.

Co-benefits on the farm:

  • Efficient irrigation can cut down on water use and energy costs. Adequately hydrated soils function more efficiently, improving the effectiveness of other soil health practices.
  • Applied nutrients are retained in the soil without overapplication of irrigation, contributing to improved yields and reduced plant stress.
  • Addresses water resource concerns such as ponding and flooding, ground water or surface water depletion, inefficient irrigation water use, and pollutants to surface or ground water.
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