Current Research and Extension Projects
CascadeFlux ETa Benchmarking Network
CascadeFlux is a coordinated evapotranspiration benchmarking network designed to improve irrigation scheduling and crop water-use estimates across Oregon's irrigated agricultural systems. The network uses field-based ETa measurements, including eddy covariance and supporting weather, soil, crop, and irrigation observations, to refine crop coefficients and benchmark remote-sensing ET products under local production conditions.
Crop Water Production Functions and Deficit Irrigation Management
This project develops crop water production functions for high-value irrigated crops, including onion, potato, and alfalfa. Field experiments evaluate how different irrigation levels affect crop water use, yield, and production efficiency to support crop-specific deficit-irrigation recommendations and drought-management decisions.
Irrigation Modernization and Conservation Planning
The Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center is partnering with the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District to develop farm-specific conservation plans for eligible landowners in the North Unit Irrigation District Lateral 43 service area. The project assesses current irrigation systems, identifies opportunities for irrigation modernization and water conservation, and supports improved soil and water management as the district transitions toward pressurized water delivery.
Soil Moisture Sensor and Irrigation Scheduling Benchmarking
This project evaluates commonly used soil moisture sensors and irrigation scheduling tools under Central Oregon field conditions. A neutron probe is used as a reference instrument to benchmark sensor performance across the crop root zone, while mobile scheduling tools are assessed against field measurements and nearby AgriMet weather data to improve irrigation decision support.
Kentucky Bluegrass Irrigation Cutoff Timing
This project evaluates how final irrigation cutoff timing affects Kentucky bluegrass seed yield, seed quality, field dry-down, and harvest readiness in Central Oregon. The study compares early, standard, and late irrigation cutoff treatments and monitors root-zone soil moisture to develop practical, locally validated irrigation guidelines for Kentucky bluegrass seed growers.