Texas A&M AgriLife researchers have begun Phase 2 of Precision Ag Irrigation Leadership (PAIL) project to simplify and synchronize irrigation tools and data for crop irrigation. PAIL is collaborating with AgGateway to develop a common set of data standards and formats to be adopted by the manufacturers.
“Basically what the program does is make it easier for the producer or a crop consultant to meet his customer’s needs,” Dr. Charles Hillyer, AgriLife Extension irrigation engineering specialist, told AgriLife Today. “The PAIL language also helps with data that will make reporting easier to the water districts.”
Farmers are needed to do field testing on the PAIL project. By participating in the testing, farmers can help others across the nation once the system is completed.
“Growers need to be able to buy solutions for irrigation management instead of a bunch of widgets,” Hillyer said.
Hillyer is currently testing PAIL on a variable rate irrigation pivot system at the AgriLife Research farm near Bushland.
The project is supported by more than 20 irrigation equipment and related product manufacturers.