RDAR funding aims to support irrigation decisions for Alberta producers

Water management continues to be top of mind for many producers across southern Alberta, and a new investment in irrigation research is intended to provide more information to help support on-farm decisions.

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) announced $500,000 in funding for irrigation research led by Dr. Willemijn Appels at Lethbridge Polytechnic. The funding is provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a joint federal-provincial program.

Appels serves as RDAR Research Chair and Senior Research Chair of the Mueller Irrigation Research Group (MIRG), which focuses on agricultural water management and irrigated crop production.

The funding will support research related to irrigation decision-making, water-use efficiency, crop production practices and the economic impacts of irrigation management.

For Alberta producers, particularly those operating in irrigated regions, access to practical research has become increasingly important as water availability, production goals and input costs continue to influence management decisions. Research that evaluates irrigation practices and emerging technologies can help producers better understand what works under local conditions before making major investments.

Based at Lethbridge Polytechnic, MIRG works with producers, irrigation districts, commodity organizations, and industry partners on applied research projects. Its work includes field trials, technology evaluation and studies examining water management at the field, farm and district levels.

“Water is one of the defining issues for Alberta’s future, and applied irrigation research is essential to helping producers make decisions that improve water use, protect productivity, and support long-term resilience on their farms,” said RDAR CEO Dr. Mark Redmond.

Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald said investments in water management research can help producers make informed decisions while supporting production and profitability.

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Tara Sawyer said applied research will continue to play a role as the province works to improve water use and modernize irrigation infrastructure.

While much of the work will focus on irrigation systems and crop production, the findings could also be valuable for mixed farming operations and cattle producers who rely on irrigated feed crops and forage production. Better information on water-use efficiency and management practices may help producers assess both production risks and opportunities in the years ahead.

Appels is a hydrologist and soil physicist with 20 years of experience in agricultural water management. Her research focuses on water-use efficiency, irrigation management strategies, and the relationship between water management and agronomic practices. She also serves as president of the Canadian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage.

As irrigation acres continue to expand in parts of the province, research into water management and production practices is expected to remain an important area of focus for producers, irrigation districts, and the broader agricultural industry.