Droughts, climate change, increased heat and groundwater regulation mean that California agriculture must conserve more water while still producing food to feed the world. To compensate for the deficiency of irrigation water, this project demonstrates the increased water use efficiency of moistube irrigation compared with traditional drip irrigation. We will conduct indoor soil box experiments and test in multiple flow and environmental conditions. We will develop a numerical tool that can be applied in the design and operation of moistube for rapid adoption of the technology. Validating technologies is a good way for UC Merced to contribute to AgTech innovation and adoption.
OptiMoistube: Optimizing California’s Irrigation Systems for Climate Resilience through an Innovative Moistube Technology
