biotic

Development of BIOTIC to Automate Drip Irrigation Systems : Development of BIOTIC to Automate Drip Irrigation Systems Professor Elizabeth Wallace Western Oklahoma State College


Slide2 : B iologically I nduced O ptimum T emperature I nteractive C onsole


Optimal temperatures & self-cooling in plants : Optimal temperatures & self-cooling in plants Research has shown the optimal temperature for cotton is 28C. Higher sustained temperatures cause irreparable plant damage. Plants can maintain optimal temperature through evaporative transpiration (ET) if water is available and humidity allows.


The biological needs of plants can determine irrigation schedule. : The biological needs of plants can determine irrigation schedule. Plant canopy (foliage) temperature is monitored and logged into a database. Ambient temperature, relatively humidity, and precipitation are logged continuously. If threshold temperature (28 C) is exceeded for a predetermined length of time and humidity allows ET, a signal is sent to turn on the irrigation unit.


Project Goals : Project Goals Demonstrate scientific accuracy of BIOTIC Perform a real-time field test on production cotton to demonstrate time and money savings for producer Distribute publicity to promote BIOTIC development commercialization Sale of license to Oklahoma company


Commercial Applications : Commercial Applications To automate drip irrigation systems for arid and/or semi-arid regions for cotton or other crops Greenhouse applications Commercial landscaping/ lawn sprinkler automation ( Rainbird, etc) Sprinkler system automation in citrus crops for freeze protection


Needs Analysis : Needs Analysis There is no automation device currently available for drip systems 14%of cultivated land in the US is irrigated- in Oklahoma, only 5.9%. (Of Oklahoma’s cotton land, 19% is irrigated) Water and chemical savings are economic advantages Plant needs determine watering schedule.


Cotton Farming in Oklahoma : Cotton Farming in Oklahoma Southwest Oklahoma comprises 82% of the state’s cotton production. 14% of cultivated land in the US is irrigated- in Oklahoma, only 5.9%. (Of Oklahoma’s cotton land, 19% is irrigated) Oklahoma’s planted cotton acres have dropped 10% from 1997. The dry-land cotton crop of 1998 was ZERO.


Technology : Technology New Infrared thermometer technology- makes this unit affordable. Cell phone modem attached to computer in field allows data upload to a site anywhere in the world. Web Page gives info on environmental history of this crop, indicating stress periods and watering schedule.


Project team and roles: : Project team and roles: Western Oklahoma State College -Lead institution securing funding for project and conducting research . E. Wallace is Principal Investigator for this project. OCAST (Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology) Funding source handling project’s contract with the State of Oklahoma


Research team and roles continued : Research team and roles continued Worrell & Worrell Farms, Altus, OK-Matching funding source- Business partner OSU- Cotton Specialist J.C. Banks aids in project promotion and consulting USDA- Scientific consultants and trouble-shooting experts on system


Project Timeline : Project Timeline September 1, 1998- January 31, 2000. Year one project initiation (60 acre test) February 1, 2000- January 31, 2001. Year two (160 acre test) Contact companies to further develop and further compact size of unit February 1, 2001. Phase Two - commercialization


Current Status : Current Status Advantages of automated drip systems Water/chemical savings Environmentally friendly - chemicals are added through water supply rather than direct foliage spray. Module exchange for crop change - Can be used of drip, furrow, or LEPA irrigation systems. Biological stress relieved instantly with drip