This study explores water use efficiency (WUE) in southwest Michigan's humid climate, focusing on improving irrigation management practices. Several different levels of irrigation were examined as experimental treatments to better understand their impact on crop productivity. Despite testing an array of different experimental irrigation treatments, we found no statistical differences but noted unequal averages and data spreads. These trends suggest more samples, under typical climatic conditions, are needed to distinguish which irrigation approaches enhance WUE. We also contrasted producers' methods with experimental treatments, highlighting the challenges of optimizing WUE in the region's climate and soil conditions even with past experience in irrigation management. Additionally, part of this research explores sensor calibration under fixed soil moisture near field capacity. Calibration formulas for the Pinotech Soilwatch-10, Metergroup 10-HS and Metergroup Teros-12 were found and analyzed. This study’s findings provide practical insights for producers and was conducted as a demonstration study for the benefit of producers, with the intention of providing a baseline for improving their irrigation management practices. emphasizing the need for flexible, quantitative, and scientific irrigation strategies to optimize agricultural crop production in southwest Michigan's environment. By bridging theory with real-world applications, this research contributes to responsible water management, aiming to enhance irrigation water use efficiency in the region.
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