USING EVAPOTRANSPIRATION DATA TO SCHEDULE IRRIGATION OF FORAGES

Forage irrigation scheduling is affected by soil-water-plant relationships and harvest operations. Irrigation timing and amount depends on soil water holding capacity, weather, and crop growth processes. Evapotranspiration is affected by weather conditions and crop growth stage. However, an irrigation scheduling thus determined should be modified to accommodate harvest schedules to enhance curing of hay and to reduce soil compaction. This paper includes a discussion of crop coefficients and a list of available web based irrigation scheduling resources