Extension
Precision Agricultural Water Management & Digital Agricultural Technology
One integrated Extension program combining climate-smart water management, drainage water management, and digital ag technologies-drones, precision planting, and data-driven decision support.
Situation Statement
The smart irrigation and drainage industry is projected to grow from $1.44 billion (2020) to ~$5.56 billion by 2030, while population growth and climate change intensify freshwater demands. Over 40% of the global population faces water scarcity, with ~70% of freshwater withdrawals used for agricultural irrigation. In the Eastern U.S., including Maryland, irrigated acreage is increasing; in humid regions, non-uniform rainfall and climate shifts make climate-smart water management and advanced drainage practices essential. Meanwhile, digital agricultural technologies-from drones and remote sensing to precision planting and AI-are transforming farming; the global market is expected to grow from ~$16B (2023) to ~$25B by 2028. In Maryland, most irrigation is still scheduled by visible stress or feel of the soil, and adoption of drainage water management in the Chesapeake Bay watershed lags behind targets. This program addresses the need for integrated research and Extension on precision water management and digital ag technologies to conserve water, improve nutrient management, and increase productivity.
Objective
To enhance knowledge and adoption of climate-smart precision water management (irrigation and drainage water management) and digital agricultural technologies-integrating drone technology, precision planting, remote sensing, and data-driven decision support-through research and Extension to improve productivity, resource efficiency, and sustainability.
Output
Outputs include research findings from lab and collaborative experiments on precision irrigation, drainage water management, and digital ag applications; educational programs, workshops, and field days; protocol development for drone-based mapping, scouting, and targeted spraying; and educational resources and factsheets. Since 2023, the program has secured approximately $307,000 in competitive grants, published peer-reviewed papers and factsheets, presented at international conferences, organized irrigation workshops and field days, and reached thousands of participants (virtually and in-person) through talks, panels, and demonstrations.