University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

August 25 , 2006

Registrations still available, but limited

UNL field day targets best practices for saving water and energy

Two goals of almost every farmer these days — saving water and saving money — will be the focus of an Irrigation and Energy Conservation Field Day Sept. 6 at UNL’s Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center near Mead.

Nebraska corn growers are constantly challenged to grow corn responsibly using proven best-management practices. Often topping the list of key practices is surface and groundwater irrigation management. This field day will cover recent research, extension recommendations, and provide the strategic tools for implementing energy and water saving practices on your farm.

Program

Five key areas will be covered in depth.

Crop ET Measurements with ET Gauges/Technology Demonstration with Derrel Martin, Extension irrigation specialist.

Topics: Reference and crop evapotranspiration concepts, measuring reference ET; quantifying crop ET; how ET changes with each corn growth stage; and ETgage technology is used for irrigation management and water savings.
Furrow Irrigation Management Demonstration with Dean Yonts, Extension irrigation specialist.
Topics: Infiltration pattern and depth of water penetration when using furrow irrigation; how surge irrigation can improve uniformity of water distribution by altering water advance rate in a furrow; impact of wheel traffic on water advance rate; and controlling runoff using surge irrigation.

Irrigation in Nebraska – Past, Present and Future with Derrel Martin

Topics: How irrigation impacts Nebraska agriculture
Soil Water Measurements with Suat Irmak, Extension agricultural water management specialist.

Topics: Demonstration of different soil moisture and ET technologies; how to use soil moisture and ET information to increase irrigation efficiency; and coupling soil moisture and ET measurements for irrigation management.
Sprinkler Package Selection Above and In-canopy Demonstration with Bill Kranz, Extension irrigation specialist.
Topics: Managing irrigation with limited water; sprinkler efficiency; furrow irrigation technology; and skip-row cropping systems.

Registration

The field day is sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association in partnership with UNL Extension. Registration is complimentary, provided in part through funding from the corn groups. For more information, visit the Irrigation and Energy Conservation Field Day Web site.

The field day, which will be held at the August N. Christenson Research and Education Building, will start with registration at 8:30 a.m. and continue with training from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Bring rain gear. CCA credits will be available.

Attendance is limited to the first 100 registrants. Registrations must be received by Aug. 28. To register, use the online form at http://ardc.unl.edu/registration.htm, call (800) 529-8030 or fax a completed registration form to 402 624-8010. Forms also can be mailed to the UNL ARDC, CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033.

You've got mail!
To receive Email notification when the latest Crop Watch is posted to the Web, use this form.

Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. All rights reserved.
Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veteran's status, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.