As rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and more frequent and prolonged droughts create uncertainty for farmers and threaten agricultural yields, precision irrigation offers a “science-driven solution” for sustainably feeding a growing population. That is according to a new paper from the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST). Authored by a team of experts led by Professor Suat Irmak of Penn State University, Precision Irrigation Management argues that “precision irrigation is more than a technology, it is a strategy for sustainable food production in a resource-constrained world, especially considering negative implications of climate and weather on agricultural lands.”
The report highlights the economic, agronomic and environmental benefits of current tools, such as Variable Rate Irrigation and satellite, drone and canopy imaging, which enable farmers to apply water exactly when and where it is needed. Cited advantages include water savings of 10-15% compared to traditional systems, increased crop yields and quality (particularly in high-value crops like fruits and vegetables) and a reduced environmental footprint through less runoff and nutrient leaching. However, CAST reveals that the use of precision irrigation technologies is lower than its potential, mainly due to barriers such as limited technical expertise and training at the farm level, as well as high initial and integration costs.
To accelerate the adoption of precision irrigation and maximize its impact, the report presents several recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders:
- Support research and extension programs to demonstrate precision irrigation under local conditions.
- Invest in data and connectivity infrastructure, including weather networks, evapotranspiration (ET) monitoring, and rural broadband.
- Create financial incentives, such as cost-share programs, water-use efficiency credits and tax breaks, to offset the costs of technology.
- Encourage public–private partnerships that promote interoperability, open data standards and farmer-centered innovation.
- Integrate precision irrigation into sustainable agriculture and conservation programs, aligning water management with carbon and biodiversity goals.