Layne Kennedy/Getty Images WATER EFFICIENCY: The goal is to demonstrate this low-cost sensor monitoring system on different irrigated fields in Michigan and Indiana to show farmers how they are effective in helping to improve water efficiency and disease management. The goal is to prevent overirrigation, which wastes water and can also drive diseases. Feb 24, 2021 Younsuk Dong, specialist in the Michigan State University Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, is leading a three-year, $426,000 project to increase adoption of a low-cost irrigation sensor monitoring system among farmers in Michigan and Indiana. The project, funded by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, focuses on using sensor technology to help improve irrigation efficiency and manage plant diseases.