This study evaluated the agronomic, environmental, and economic benefits of integrating precision nitrogen and irrigation management for maize production in Minnesota. The work focused on improving input-use efficiency in irrigated systems where both water and nitrogen must be managed carefully to maintain yield while reducing environmental losses. The study examined how variable rate irrigation and nitrogen management can be used together to better match crop needs with field variability, rather than applying uniform water and fertilizer rates across the whole field. Results from this work support the broader goal of developing practical, research-based precision agriculture strategies that help growers improve crop productivity, reduce unnecessary input use, and lower the risk of nitrate losses from irrigated cropping systems. This study adds to our ongoing effort to evaluate when precision irrigation and nutrient management technologies provide measurable value for Minnesota producers.
Study Period: 2021-2023
Research Team: Ayoub Kechchour, Vasudha Sharma, Yuxin Miao
Funding: Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council