July 24, 2009
The Irrigation Strategies Field Tour Series will demonstrate methods and focus on strategies for getting the most effective use of your irrigation water and energy dollars while conserving water.
"The primary focus is on working with producers and crop consultants to develop and demonstrate soil moisture monitoring equipment and irrigation scheduling strategies on farmer fields," said Steve Melvin, UNL Extension Educator.
Melvin hopes the series will make irrigation decisions as easy as using the fuel guage to keep fuel in the tank.
Applying the optimum level of water is more important today than ever, he said. Applying excess water is an unnecesary cost, leaches nitrogen below the root zone, and can lower yields. Putting on too little water will also lower yields, he said.
The program will teach efficient irrigation methods that will lower pumping plant energy costs and apply the optimum amount of water.
Field tour topics will vary by location and include:
- Water Resource Update
- Comparing Irrigation Energy Sources: Costs and Emissions Requirements
- Water Savings with Crop Residue Management
- Monitoring Crop Water Use and Soil Moisture Status - Simple, Durable, Accurate, and Economical Tools
- How the Amount of Water and Nitrogen Applied with a Center Pivot Effects Crop Yield
- How to Get the Most from Your Nitrogen Dollar
- Where Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilization Fits into Corn Production
- Variable Rate Irrigation Equipment for Center Pivots
- Predicting the Last Irrigation
- How Time of Application and Amount of Water Applied Effects Crop Yield
Program speakers include Extension Specialists Bill Kranz, Irrigation, Derrel Martin, Irrigation and Water Resources; Steve Melvin, Extension Educator, Charles Shapiro, Soils, and Simon van Donk, Irrigation and Water Resources.
For more information about the Irrigation Strategies Field Tour Series, contact Melvin at (308) 367-4424 or smelvin1@unl.edu
