Irrigation Management

Tire tracks in muddy clay soil
Producers who struggle with poor drainage in gumbo soil have several options for improving water retention and overall soil health. One beneficial practice is manure application, which helps reduce bulk density and improves soil aggregation.

The Soil Health Exchange: Addressing Waterlogging Issues with Soil Health Management

January 30, 2024
Fields with diverse soil types can pose distinct challenges in water management, especially under pivot irrigation. In this article, UNL experts review factors that contribute to waterlogged soil and several practices that can improve drainage issues. 

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Corn field under center pivot
A water-saving strategy, deficit irrigation represents an important concept in managing water use through irrigation as groundwater depletion rises across the U.S.

The Economics of Deficit Irrigation Utilizing Soil Moisture Probes

December 15, 2023
Cornhusker Economics experts examine the financial impact on producers using a deficit irrigation strategy in corn.

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Center pivot running over field
Research demonstrates that investing in nozzle replacement will not only mitigate potential losses but also provide an opportunity for substantial profit.

The Importance of Maintaining High Uniformity of Water Application of Center Pivot

November 30, 2023
For optimal crop production, it's crucial that a center pivot distributes water uniformly across the field. In this UNL project, researchers studied the impacts of center pivot maintenance in a low-yielding Nebraska field.

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Richard Faflak adjusting pivot valve
Richard Faflak, KZValve mechanical engineer, adjusts a valve at the annual Panhandle Agriculture Research and Technology Tour before a tour group goes by in June. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

UNL, Nebraska Company Collaborate on New Valve for Pivot Irrigation

November 2, 2023
A new pivot valve, created by KZValve of Greenwood, Nebraska, has self-power generating capabilities that could potentially be used in partial variable rate irrigation.

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Corn under pivot irrigation
With the 2023 TAPS competition coming to an end, final results and winners will soon be announced.

Irrigation Varies Amid One of Wetter Seasons in TAPS History

November 2, 2023
This article provides a brief summary of the irrigation decisions made in the TAPS sorghum, popcorn, SDI corn and sprinkler corn competitions this year.

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Irrigating alfalfa field during autumn
For irrigated alfalfa, targeted fall irrigation may help the long-term strength of the stand, as well as refill soil profiles that were depleted during the summer.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing and Fall Irrigation of Alfalfa

October 18, 2023
The pros and cons of grazing fall alfalfa, and capturing the benefits of targeted fall alfalfa irrigation after a dry year. 

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Water droplets

To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Last Estimated Crop Water Use for the 2023 Season

September 18, 2023
Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone reviews crop water use during the 2023 irrigation season and highlights a new feature for receiving 2024 reports via text.

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Water droplets

To receive the weekly crop water use report via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Estimated Crop Water Use for Sept. 11-17

September 11, 2023
Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on this week's crop water use and expectations for the end of the irrigation season.

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