Sensor-Based vs. Checkbook Scheduling

Efficient irrigation scheduling can conserve water without sacrificing yields. Comparative field trials on corn in Alabama showed that sensor-based approaches—using real-time soil moisture tension measurements—generally reduce total irrigation, while maintaining competitive yields versus the traditional Checkbook (soil-water balance) method. These findings support broader adoption of sensor-based tools to improve water productivity and reduce environmental impacts in row-crop agriculture.
(References: Irrigation Scheduling to Promote Corn Productivity in Central Alabama; Evaluation of Two Irrigation Scheduling Methods and Nitrogen Rates on Corn Production in Alabama)

Plantain Soil Moisture & Mulching

In tropical cropping systems, organic and living mulches can help conserve soil moisture and mitigate drought stress. A study on plantain production tested a hay mulch and a living mulch (Callisia repens) compared to bare soil, revealing that while yield differences were minimal in the short term, living mulch created longer lag times to soil water recharge, possibly through higher interception. Simulations with HYDRUS-1D confirmed that interception, rather than shifts in soil hydraulic properties, can be the dominant hydrologic factor under certain mulching practices.
(Reference: Soil water regimes in tropical plantain production under organic and living mulches)

Aflatoxin Contamination & Drought Indices

Fungal toxins (aflatoxins) in corn are a major health and economic concern, especially under drought stress. By applying the Agricultural Reference Index for Drought (ARID), researchers identified critical timing windows post-silking where low rainfall and high minimum temperatures markedly increase the risk of aflatoxin contamination. These insights can guide site-specific irrigation timing and hybrid selection to minimize mycotoxin risk.
(References: Evaluating a generic drought index as a predictive tool for aflatoxin contamination of corn; Minimum Temperature, Rainfall, and Agronomic Management Impacts on Corn Grain Aflatoxin Contamination)