Jan. 29, 2021
Soil moisture sensor school planned for February
By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- Two-day school offered online Feb. 16-17
- Free to attend; register by Feb. 8: http://www.uaex.uada.edu/irrigation
(390 words)
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas crop producers who want to get better control of their water use during the 2021 growing season will have several opportunities through a two-day soil health school.
The Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will offer a two-day soil sensor school Feb. 16-17. Participants will attend both days, but have a choice of times. Morning sessions will be offered 9-10:30 a.m., and afternoon sessions will be 1-2:30 p.m.
The class is limited to 25 participants, and registration is available at http://www.uaex.uada.edu/irrigation. The registration deadline is Feb. 8.
Chris Henry, associate professor and water management engineer for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, leads the school and says soil sensors are an important moisture management tool for producers.
“Participants will learn how sensors work, how to use them to schedule irrigation in different soil types, and how to use them to initiate and terminate irrigation,” Henry said. “We’ll also teach them learn how to construct and properly install watermark sensors through practical exercises.”
There is no cost to register or attend the schools. However, participants are encouraged to build sensors as part of the school between the two sessions. Equipment for the school is discounted and provided so participants can have materials they need to use sensors for the first time.
The cost is $152 for materials to build a set of sensors for the class. Sensor kits will be mailed Feb. 9, so participants have supplies before class.
“We strongly suggested that each participant constructs at least one sensor during the school,” Henry said. “Our goal is for participants to have the materials and expertise they need to install and use sensors on their farms.”
Participants can also purchase four sensors, a reader, and a slide hammer for $500, or purchase only the items they need. The materials are provided at a discounted price to defray the cost of supplies and irrigation.
Support for the training is provided by the Arkansas Natural Resource Conservation Service, Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, US Forest Service, Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Board and Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media contact:
Tracy Courage
Director, Communications Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
tcourage@uada.edu