1. Introduction
Effective irrigation scheduling is important for optimizing the
use of irrigation water for sugarcane production globally. Optimal
use of water is required to maximize profitability and minimize
negative impacts on the environment. Various technologies exist
to support scientific irrigation scheduling, each with its own
strengths and weaknesses. Weather-based crop models are good
at estimating evapotranspiration (ET) and future irrigation needs
over large areas (Akyz et al., 2008; Busch et al., 2009; Inman-
Bamber et al., 2005; Thysen and Detlefsen, 2006) while electronic