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What is evapotranspiration and why it matters

Published on July 25, 2012
Under drought conditions, plants may not be able to extract water fast enough to keep up with evapotranspiration.
Forages & Pastures | Drought Resources
Vegetables | Drought Resources
Timing the last irrigation application

Published on August 9, 2018
Maximizing profit and returns on resources invested can be dependent on the last irrigation application.
MSU researchers find perennial biofuel crops and corn have comparable water use

Published on July 6, 2015
A recent study reports that the perennial system's evapotranspiration did not differ greatly from corn - a finding that contrasts sharply with earlier studies that found particularly high perennial water use in areas with high water tables.
Toward Sustainability of the High Plains Aquifer Region: Coupled Landscape, Atmosphere, and Socioeco | Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

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June crop water needs

Published on June 23, 2017
Many areas in Indiana and Michigan quickly went from too much rainfall at planting to sparse rainfall from emergence on leading to an early start for the irrigation season.
Weather | Drought Resources
July/August corn water needs

Published on July 30, 2020
The water needs of corn peak in July and taper off in August as we near dent stage.
New Enviro-weather tool for corn and soybean growers

Published on July 9, 2009
Understanding the drought through the Evaporative Stress Index

Published on August 9, 2012
A look at the Evaporative Stress Index explains patterns of water availability and moisture stress across large areas.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – July 2, 2020

Published on July 2, 2020
Summer has definitely arrived and the hot and dry weather is expected to advance, and in many cases stress, crop growth and development.
Will we have a big year for cones in 2008?

Published on April 4, 2008
2013 Likely to be a big year for cones in Fraser fir plantations

Published on May 9, 2013
Warm, dry weather in 2012 sets the stage for heavy coning for Christmas tree growers in 2013.
Watering fruit and vegetables — How much do they really need?

Published on May 7, 2018
“How much water should I apply to my plants?” is an often-asked question. The simple answer is – just enough.
G. Philip Robertson, Ph.D.

University Distinguished Professor
robert30@msu.edu
269-760-8364
Southwest Michigan field crop update – July 23, 2020

Published on July 23, 2020
Recent scattered showers helped keep crops moving forward during critical growth stages, but the hot and dry weather in the forecast is not a welcome sight.
Kurt Thelen, Ph.D.

Professor - Crop systems that increase food, feed & energy security while safeguarding soil, air, water and biodiversity.
thelenk3@msu.edu
Mid-July results in peak water use for most field crops

Published on July 11, 2017
We’re now in peak water use. Be prepared if the rains fall short.
Don’t neglect late-season irrigation of blueberries

Published on September 15, 2017
Be sure your plants have good moisture now as they make flower buds for next spring’s bloom.