November 20, 2012

Limits on irrigation water supplies, rising pumping costs and commodity values, and the recent drought all require a new look at managing irrigation.

At a Dec. 7 workshop University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers and extension specialists will report on a long-term research program on deficit irrigation and share recommendations based on what they learned.  It will be held at the Monsanto Water Utilization Learning Center near Gothenburg from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Attendees will receive tools and guidelines to plan and manage limited irrigation water supplies to maximize the value of their water supply.  Presentations will address both one-year and multi-year plans for reduced water availability. Recent crop responses to water stress will be examined along with the impact of irrigation pumping capacity. Guidelines are also presented for the pooling of water supplies.

Program topics will include:

• deficit irrigation management,
• crop response to water,
• predicting yield and economics,
• plans for single field and single year,
• multiple fields and multiple years,
• implementing plans, and
• system capacity and other uses.

While the workshop is primarily dedicated to water management from a producer's perspective, the research tools and results also would be useful for evaluating water policy alternatives.  Results have been used to draft deficit irrigation insurance pilot programs and to assess the economic impact of water policies on producers and the regional economy.

Information and Registration

Registrations, which include a $25 fee, are requested by Dec. 4. Certified crop adviser credits can be applied for.

To register contact