The estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the previous week and the upcoming week is shown in this table. It is based on data gathered and calculations made by Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension educator, and Dr. Xin Qiao, Extension Irrigation and Water Management Specialist, both based at the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff.

The highest estimated crop water use week was the week ending July 3, with 2.02 inches. The lowest estimated crop water use week was the week ending May 15, with 0.84 inches. On average, the estimated weekly crop water use this season was 1.39 inches.

Crop water use will vary across the Panhandle due to variations in ET, crop growth stage, temperature, soil type, wind, and precipitation events.

Crop water use will assist growers with irrigation scheduling and efficient water application and use.