Adaptive learning through five strands of root-zone knowledge

superuser — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:36:29 +0000

This project will demonstrate how the collection of five independent strands of irrigation data via a novel sensor and logging platform will link irrigator experience with measured data, link atmospheric scheduling with soil based monitoring, and link water management with solute management.

IDs and People

Program:

National Program for Sustainable Irrigation

Research Type:

Research Project

Legacy (KMS) Project ID:

CIF5033

Host Organisation:

CSIRO

Researchers:

Richard Stirzaker

Subjects

Subjects:

Salinity

Irrigation

Keywords:

electrical conductivity

Root-zone

Adaptive management

irrigation scheduling

Project Information

Outcomes:

Pioneer a different approach to irrigation management by linking grower knowledge with scientific data within an adaptive learning framework at seven sites
Provide new insights into irrigation management by linking atmosphere and soil based monitoring and by linking water and solute monitoring
Work alongside the private sector to develop the sensing and logging platform fit for commercial development and release.
Capture the above in a training module to be incorporated into the CRC “Solute Signatures” initiative and ensure all project participants attend training workshops or are involved in the development of the training module

Current Activities

Status:

Active

Background

Project Background:

The project rationale is to link five strands of knowledge that have traditionally been treated separately into an adaptive learning framework. The five strands are:

The knowledge of the irrigator based on accumulated experience
Potential crop water use as the thermodynamic limit to irrigation
Soil water status monitoring
Depth of wetting front penetration
Electrical conductivity at the wetting front

Aims:

To pioneer an adaptive learning framework for improving irrigation management
To engage the private sector to develop and build a prototype sensing and logging platform to collect the necessary data for the adaptive learning process
To deploy the sensing platform at seven locations in conjunction with local expert practitioners
To develop and deliver a training module in conjunction with the “solute signatures” initiative.

All in electrical conductivity

Adaptive learning through five strands of root-zone knowledge