North Platte River Water System Update April 13, 2018
North Platte River water operations and deliveries are expected to be normal for 2018, with no allocations expected, and an expected demand of 1.1 million acre-feet.
Irrigation
In-Canopy vs. Above-Canopy Sprinklers: Consider Pros and Cons April 5, 2018
Center pivot sprinkler packages placed in the canopy have some potential to increase the application efficiency of center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems; however, the challenges of achieving acceptable water application uniformities and preventing local runoff are greatly increased. This is the third of a three-part series helping growers consider in-canopy vs. above-canopy sprinkler packages.
In-Canopy vs. Above-Canopy Sprinklers: Which is Better Suited to Your Field? (Part 2) March 26, 2018
Center-pivot irrigation sprinkler package designs need to account for the specific pivot, the available water supply, and various attributes of the field where the pivot will be installed. Learn what to consider in this second article of a three-part series assessing in-canopy and above-canopy sprinklers and which is best for a given operation.
In-Canopy vs. Above-Canopy Sprinklers: Which is Better Suited to Your Field? March 23, 2018
This is the first of a three-part series on how to decide whether you want to use in-canopy sprinklers or sprinklers at truss rod height or above on a center pivot. Part 1 addresses water losses from a center pivot and when to replace an existing sprinkler package.
Center Pivot Handbook a Comprehensive Guide for Growers March 23, 2018
Center pivot irrigation now accounts for approximately 85% of the irrigated land in Nebraska. To help growers manage and get the most from their system, Nebraska Extension has published the Center Pivot Irrigation Handbook, a 134-page comprehensive guide.
Weather Ready Farms: Irrigation Water Management March 21, 2018
Climate variability, including extended periods of dry conditions and sometimes drought, are common on the Great Plains. When managing under these extreme conditions, irrigators need to understand daily and seasonal crop water use patterns and adopt practices and technology that result in more bushels of grain per inch of water applied.
Research Shows Large-Scale Irrigation Reduces Local Precipitation February 28, 2018
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln researcher has shown that widespread irrigation has resulted in a net moisture loss in Nebraska, a finding that could have worldwide water conservation implications if substantiated by further research.
Using the Crop Water App with Watermark Sensors February 8, 2018
The Crop Water App developed by Nebraska Extension is an excellent tool for producers using Watermark soil moisture sensors to aid irrigation scheduling. Here is a brief overview of how to use this app in your operation.