CUES TO IRRIGATE IN NORTHEAST DIVERSIFIED VEGETABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

The overarching goal of this project is to better understand the effects of using different cues to irrigate in diversified vegetable cropping systems, and how to manage the tradeoffs in these systems (i.e. cost, precision). The following objectives support this goal:Objective 1: Determine the effects of three cues to irrigate (i.e. feel of soil, timers, and soil moisture sensor readings) in drip irrigation systems. The effects will be measured on yield and quality of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers as compared to a control treatment (no irrigation).Objective 2: Determine the risk of subsoil leaching associated with three "cues to irrigate" as compared to a control treatment (no irrigation).Objective 3: Determine the effect of three "cues to irrigate" on plant available nitrogen at different states of crop development as compared to a control treatment (no irrigation).Objective 4: Translate findings from objectives 1-3 into financial terms (e.g. foregone income, cost of investment) in order to assist farmers and agricultural advisors in decision making about whether to invest in precision irrigation technology.