Irrigation Management

UNL-TAPS: Reflections on Seven Years of Irrigation and Nitrogen Management

April 11, 2024

Extension insights on the year-to-year variability in corn yield response to irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates throughout seven years of the TAPS sprinkler irrigated corn competition.

Pathfinder Dam as water rushes — The Pathfinder Dam overflows in 2016. Reclamation will release water over the dam in years with abundant rainfall. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Nebraska Extension Hosts Yonts Water Conference in April

March 29, 2024

This year's Yonts Water Conference will include insights on new irrigation technologies, 2024 weather and basin runoff outlooks, plus an update on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie canal tunnel replacements.

Tire tracks in muddy clay soil — Producers who struggle with poor drainage in gumbo soil have several options for improving water retention and overall soil health. One beneficial practice is manure application, which helps reduce bulk density and improves soil aggregation.

The Soil Health Exchange: Addressing Waterlogging Issues with Soil Health Management

January 30, 2024

Fields with diverse soil types can pose distinct challenges in water management, especially under pivot irrigation. In this article, UNL experts review factors that contribute to waterlogged soil and several practices that can improve drainage issues.

Corn field under center pivot — A water-saving strategy, deficit irrigation represents an important concept in managing water use through irrigation as groundwater depletion rises across the U.S.

The Economics of Deficit Irrigation Utilizing Soil Moisture Probes

December 15, 2023

Cornhusker Economics experts examine the financial impact on producers using a deficit irrigation strategy in corn.

Center pivot running over field — Research demonstrates that investing in nozzle replacement will not only mitigate potential losses but also provide an opportunity for substantial profit.

The Importance of Maintaining High Uniformity of Water Application of Center Pivot

November 30, 2023

For optimal crop production, it's crucial that a center pivot distributes water uniformly across the field. In this UNL project, researchers studied the impacts of center pivot maintenance in a low-yielding Nebraska field.

Richard Faflak adjusting pivot valve — Richard Faflak, KZValve mechanical engineer, adjusts a valve at the annual Panhandle Agriculture Research and Technology Tour before a tour group goes by in June. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

UNL, Nebraska Company Collaborate on New Valve for Pivot Irrigation

November 2, 2023

A new pivot valve, created by KZValve of Greenwood, Nebraska, has self-power generating capabilities that could potentially be used in partial variable rate irrigation.

Corn under pivot irrigation — With the 2023 TAPS competition coming to an end, final results and winners will soon be announced.

Irrigation Varies Amid One of Wetter Seasons in TAPS History

November 2, 2023

This article provides a brief summary of the irrigation decisions made in the TAPS sorghum, popcorn, SDI corn and sprinkler corn competitions this year.

Irrigating alfalfa field during autumn — For irrigated alfalfa, targeted fall irrigation may help the long-term strength of the stand, as well as refill soil profiles that were depleted during the summer.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing and Fall Irrigation of Alfalfa

October 18, 2023

The pros and cons of grazing fall alfalfa, and capturing the benefits of targeted fall alfalfa irrigation after a dry year.

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