Eva Stephani Caroline set out to answer a pressing question for Arkansas farmers: How can they squeeze more bushels from every drop of irrigation water? Her team’s findings, published in *Agricultural Water Management*, reveal that some irrigation tools and techniques aren’t just saving water—they’re also boosting yields, and the energy sector should take notice.
The study analyzed six irrigation water management (IWM) practices—including Computerized Hole Selection (CHS), Surge irrigation, and Soil Moisture Sensors—used by farmers in the Arkansas Irrigation Yield “Most Crop per Drop” Contest from 2018 to 2023. The results show that certain combinations of these tools can significantly improve water productivity, but the effects vary by crop.
For corn, combining CHS, soil moisture sensors, and surge irrigation led to higher water productivity, primarily by increasing yields rather than reducing water use. “It’s not just about using less water,” Caroline notes. “Farmers are getting more out of each acre while maintaining—or even improving—their output.” That’s a win for both sustainability and profitability.
In soybeans, the combination of CHS and soil moisture sensors helped farmers cut irrigation without sacrificing yield. “For soybean growers, this means they can reduce pumping costs and energy use while keeping production steady,” Caroline explains. With energy prices fluctuating and groundwater depletion a growing concern, these savings could be substantial.
Rice presented a more mixed picture. While the study found some evidence that pairing Multiple-Inlet Rice Irrigation (MIRI) with Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) improved water productivity, the results weren’t as consistent as with corn and soybeans. Still, the findings suggest that even in rice, targeted IWM practices can make a difference.
The study also compared producer-managed fields with collaborative demonstration plots. Interestingly, the outcomes differed, likely due to variations in implementation support and management conditions. “This highlights the importance of real-world conditions,” Caroline says. “What works in a controlled demo might not always translate seamlessly to a farmer’s field.”
For the energy sector, the implications are clear. Irrigation is one of the largest energy expenses for agriculture, particularly in regions reliant on groundwater. By adopting these IWM practices, farmers could reduce pumping time, lower electricity or diesel consumption, and even extend the lifespan of aging wells. That’s not just good for the environment—it’s good for the bottom line.
As the push for sustainable agriculture grows, studies like this one provide a roadmap for farmers, extension agents, and policymakers. The next step? Scaling up these practices and ensuring they’re accessible to growers across different regions and crops.
For now, the message is simple: The right tools, used the right way, can make every drop—and every kilowatt—count.