Irrigation Management

Water droplets — The crop water use report is updated weekly. Visit PHREC AgLab for more information.

Estimated Crop Water Use for June 26-July 2, 2023

June 26, 2023

Recent rainfall and hailstorms will impact the next few weeks of crop water use in the Nebraska Panhandle.

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.

Estimated Crop Water Use for June 19-25, 2023

June 19, 2023

Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares his expectations for rising crop water use in the coming days.

What Do We Know About Water Use of Weeds?

June 14, 2023

In an effort to estimate the cost of weeds to agriculture and the overall economics of weed management, researchers recently analyzed numerous scientific studies on the water use of 34 weed species found across the world.

Estimated Crop Water Use for June 12-18, 2023

June 12, 2023

Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on crop growth and potential water needs in the Nebraska Panhandle for mid-June.

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.

Estimated Crop Water Use for June 5-11, 2023

June 6, 2023

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of June 5.

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