Autonomous irrigation shows promise for Ohio cropping systems

By Andrew Klopfenstein, John Fulton, Elizabeth Hawkins, and Scott Shearer

By any measure, timing matters in crop production. When water or nutrients are applied too early, there is a risk of loss through runoff or leaching. Too late, and the yield potential could be lost. New research led by The Ohio State University suggests autonomous irrigation technology may help Ohio farmers thread that needle more precisely than ever before.

Results from multi-year field research in central Ohio show that autonomous, high-clearance irrigators can improve crop yields, nutrient use efficiency, and resilience to weather stress. The work, conducted by Ohio State in collaboration with Iowa State University and the 360 Yield Center, evaluated a high-clearance robotic irrigation system capable of traveling over standing corn and soybeans to apply water, liquid nutrients, or manure at any growth stage.

Unlike traditional irrigation or fertilizer application systems, the autonomous irrigator operates independently and delivers inputs directly to the base of the crop canopy. That capability opens the door to a different management strategy that includes applying nutrients in‑season, aligned with crop uptake curves, and applying water only when the crop needs it.

Ohio State Field Results

Ohio field trials were conducted at two main locations near London, Ohio, in cooperation with Beck’s Hybrids and the Molly Caren Agricultural Center. Researchers compared conventional fertilizer programs with in-season nutrient and water applications delivered by the autonomous irrigator.

In corn trials during the 2024 growing season, the results were striking. Irrigated corn receiving nutrients through the autonomous system yielded more than 40 bushels per acre higher than non-irrigated, rain-fed corn. Even when nutrient rates were reduced by roughly one-third, irrigated treatments still maintained strong yields, demonstrating the potential to improve nitrogen use efficiency without sacrificing production.

Soybean results followed a similar pattern. Irrigated soybeans outperformed rain-fed treatments, with visible differences across the field. Aerial imagery clearly showed darker green, more vigorous crop growth in irrigated strips, reinforcing the yield data collected at harvest.

The research team also measured the energy required to operate the system, tracking diesel fuel for the unit itself and electricity for pumping and nutrient injection. This data is being used to compare autonomous irrigation with traditional practices from both economic and environmental perspectives. Results to date can be found in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 eFields reports; https://digitalag.osu.edu/efields.

Why this matters for Ohio farms

Ohio farmers operate in a region where rainfall is often abundant, but increasingly unpredictable. Heavy spring rains followed by dry summer periods create challenges for both nutrient management and crop stress. Applying nutrients ahead of planting can leave them vulnerable to loss during intense rain events, while mid‑season drought stress can limit yield even in high‑fertility fields.

Autonomous irrigation offers Ohio farmers a way to respond to both of these challenges. By applying nutrients in smaller, targeted doses during the growing season, farmers can better match nutrient supply to crop demand. That approach reduces the risk of nitrogen and phosphorus leaving the field while improving the odds that applied nutrients actually contribute to yield.

From a water standpoint, the system allows producers to manage short-term stress during critical growth stages rather than relying solely on rainfall. Even modest amounts of timely irrigation made a measurable difference in Ohio State University trials.

There are also practical labor considerations. Because the irrigator operates autonomously, it reduces the need for constant operator involvement during busy summer months. For Ohio farms facing labor constraints, that autonomy adds another layer of value.

Looking ahead

While this technology has shown promise, it is important to note that it is not about replacing sound agronomy but enhancing it. Autonomous irrigation works best when integrated with soil testing, crop scouting, and data-driven decision-making. Future research will expand beyond nitrogen to include phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients, as well as liquid and granular nutrient sources.

The early research message is clear in that autonomous irrigation is more than a novelty. For Ohio farms focused on improving input efficiency, protecting water quality, and maintaining yield stability under variable weather conditions, this technology represents a promising new tool. As research continues and systems become more accessible, autonomous irrigation could play a meaningful role in the future of Ohio crop production, delivering the right input, at the right time, in the right place.