Irrigation Uniformity Check Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Center pivot irrigation uniformity is typically determined by conducting a catch can test - or, as in our case, a catch test using Taco Bell cups - and measuring the volume of irrigation water collected over the span of the entire system.  Although very accurate, this method is time consuming, and it may be unnecessary for locating certain problems that require repair.  This video is the result of a collaborative effort between MSU and Purdue Extension’s work with unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to see how useful aerial video would be at detecting anomalies in a center pivot irrigation system.