Groundwater

Pivot with end gun — There are two reliable methods for overcoming the challenges of lower uniformity and nitrogen application rates when using the center pivot's end gun: using a variable rate injection pump, and slowing the pivot down when the end gun turns on (for systems with computer panels).

How to Determine the Chemigation Injection Pump Setting for a Center Pivot with the End Gun Off and On

June 22, 2023

The key to knowing the correct setting for a chemigation pump is to first determine how many acres per hour the pivot will cover at the desired irrigation application depth or rate.

A view of the North Platte River valley at Scottsbluff, Nebraska. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Major Nebraska Rivers and Their Drainages: Part 5

June 13, 2023

Part 5 of the Nebraska Rivers series focuses on the Platte Rivers, which played a crucial role in America's westward expansion as settlers traversed along these waters.

Crop sensor — Figure 1. Early installation of sensors helps minimize root and leaf damage and makes it easy to get around the field with the pickup or ATV to install the equipment.

Study Reviews Farmer Irrigation Scheduling Tendencies in Dry Years

June 8, 2023

Many producers in Nebraska will need to irrigate in June to refill the soil profile before high water demand begins in July, but there are numerous factors to consider when calculating the appropriate irrigation amounts.

Pivot irrigation system — When irrigating fields early due to drought, the most reliable method to know when and how much to irrigate is to monitor soil moisture at multiple depths.

Early Season Irrigation During Drought

June 7, 2023

For producers who are irrigating early this year due to drought, it's critical to monitor soil moisture to balance crop needs with the risk of losing nitrogen and other valuable crop inputs, while also avoiding the expense of over-irrigating.

The Republican River drainage system. (Photo courtesy USGS STREAMER)

Major Nebraska Rivers and Their Drainages: Part 4

June 1, 2023

Featuring the Republican River, which holds the record for the worst flood in Nebraska history.

Nebraska river photo — Part 3 of the Nebraska Rivers series focuses on the Loup River drainage system, which originates in the Sandhills. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Major Nebraska Rivers and Their Drainages: Part 3

May 18, 2023

Part 3 of the Nebraska Rivers series focuses on the Loup River drainage system, which originates in the Sandhills.

Major Nebraska Rivers and Their Drainages: Part 2

May 4, 2023

Part 2 of the Nebraska Rivers series focuses on the Elkhorn and Missouri rivers and their impacts in Nebraska.

Irrigation system in corn — Producers looking to take advantage of nitrate-nitrogen in groundwater to reduce nitrogen applications this growing season may want to test their wells to determine current levels. Information on testing requirements is available at all local NRD offices.

Don’t Lose Out on Free Nitrogen from Irrigation Water

April 20, 2023

Extension recommendations for calculating the amount of nitrate-nitrogen in irrigation water and optimal timing of applications to reduce the cost of nitrogen inputs in irrigated corn.

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