The Next Generation of Irrigation Management Programs

A number of states have developed advisory software to assist farm managers with irrigation scheduling. The fundamental procedures for irrigation scheduling are relatively straightforward and simple, but the diversity of the programs that have recently been developed is remarkable and significant. The range of analytical options offered by these programs is increasing; some have evolved from simple irrigation scheduling programs into comprehensive and sophisticated irrigation planning and management programs, driven in part by the accelerating competition for water. The next generation of irrigation management software will need to address the challenge of optimizing irrigation management; i.e. maximizing net economic returns rather than maximizing yields. But the software to do that is inherently very complex, and development of such software is beyond the resources of most individual states or agencies. This paper provides an overview of existing and developing irrigation management programs in the U.S. and suggests some potential components of the next generation of irrigation management software.