Derek Heeren - Irrigation Engineer

Sensors on the Pivot for Automated Irrigation Scheduling in the Great Plains

June 29, 2022

Results of a research project on optimizing irrigation methods by utilizing thermal and multispectral center pivot sensors to gather crop data.

Irrigation systems aerial view — **Figure 1.** Center pivot irrigation systems dot the landscape along the South Platte River. On the North Platte River, Lake McConaughy reservoir stores water which is later used for irrigation. (Photo credit: Google Earth)

New Article Traces Aspects of the History of Irrigation in the Great Plains and Water Productivity

March 23, 2022

A review of the history of irrigation in the Great Plains region from a geographical, technical and political perspective, as well as how it has impacted water resources.

Common Problems Regarding Center Pivot Operating Pressure and Uniformity

January 22, 2020

Pivots operating below or above the designed water pressure can create uniformity issues across fields and/or increase operating expenses.

Field trials comparing early and late planted rye cover crop

Implementation of Cover Crops in Corn and Soybean Systems in Nebraska

November 29, 2016

A short review of cover crop research conducted at four University of Nebraska research fields (two irrigated, two dryland) to study the feasibility and impact of winter cover cropping on soil quality, soil water, and crop yields in corn-soybean systems. Objectives were to quantify cover crop emergence, fall and spring biomass production, soil water changes, soil chemical and physical property changes, and crop yields.

Figure 1: Early-planted rye (left) and late-planted rye before corn at Concord, April 22, 2016.

Biomass Production of Winter Annual Cover Crops in Corn and Soybean

August 11, 2016

Rye was the leading biomass producer in the first two years of a four-year study exploring whether winter cover cropping in no-till corn and soybean systems in Nebraska can benefit soil quality despite their short growing season.