Dr. Stacia L. Davis Conger

Assistant Professor & State Irrigation Specialist|LSU AgCenter

2023 Abstract - INFORMING FUTURE IRRIGATION STRATEGIES USING DROUGHT STATUS, HYDROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, AND HISTORICAL RAINFALL PATTERNS: Louisiana is prone to naturally high rainfall variability and extreme weather conditions. The objective of this project was to develop more informed irrigation strategies using statistical regionalization of historical rainfall patterns, current drought status, and current hydrological conditions of water sources used for irrigation purposes. Results from the regionalization model showed that there are two distinct regions, representing North and South Louisiana, with differences occurring only during the irrigation months of June, July, and August. Combined with drought status and hydrological conditions, a webtool that notifies irrigators of recommended schedule adjustments was developed.