Irrigation Management

Sampled wells and pivots map
Figure 1. Distribution of sampled wells and pivots.

Irrigation Well Water in Nebraska: Nutrient Concentrations and Other Properties

March 31, 2021
A 2020 survey on hundreds of irrigation wells in Nebraska provides insight on nutrients that enhance soil fertility across the state.

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Center pivot irrigation system watering a field

Chemigation Certification Training Set in Scottsbluff, Sidney, Bridgeport, Alliance

February 2, 2021
Producers who plan to apply crop nutrients and pesticides through irrigation systems during 2021, or need to renew their permits, can attend one of many in-person training sessions scheduled for locations throughout Nebraska. 

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Water in furrow
A dry edible bean plot is irrigated at the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center at Scottsbluff. Bean Day on Feb. 10 will include updates on UNL research into dry bean production, including irrigation methods.

2021 Dry Edible Bean Day Virtual Event Set for Feb. 10

February 1, 2021
During the Zoom-based event this month, UNL specialists and educators will discuss new research findings on dry edible bean production in Nebraska.

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Wheat field
The 2021 Nebraska Crop Production Clinics will feature live presentations on research updates and information tailored to regional crop issues and grower interests via Zoom for nine days throughout January.

Extension Crop Production Clinics Going Virtual in January

December 16, 2020
The 2021 Nebraska Crop Production Clinics will feature research updates and information tailored to regional crop issues and grower interests in a new online format this year.

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links to full article

Dry Conditions Make Irrigation and Nitrogen Decisions Critical in TAPS Competition

November 10, 2020
In a stark contrast to 2019, this year’s growing season was drastically drier which meant that participants in the Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) program had to focus more attention on their irrigation and nitrogen management decisions this year.

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center pivot irrigating late season corn

Scheduling the Last Irrigation of the Season

August 26, 2020
Usually by mid to late August, corn and soybeans have progressed enough in maturity that we have a good handle on how much water it will take to finish the crop out. So just how much water do we need to finish out the growing season?

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Irrigation end gun
End guns are a very common feature on center pivots in certain areas. (Photo by Steve Melvin)

Center Pivot End Gun Considerations

August 20, 2020
End guns have been on center pivots from almost the beginning and the merits of their use have been debated about as long. Some farmers would not have a pivot without an end gun and others would not have a pivot with one.

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Soil water gauge
Figure 1. Wouldn’t it be great to have a soil water gauge to help determine when the crop water supply is getting low just like the gauge in a pickup that tells how much fuel is left.

How To Keep Irrigation Cost Down On A Dry Year With Low Grain Prices

July 16, 2020
Irrigation expenses are usually the biggest energy cost on the farm. On dry years, they become even higher. So how does one know when the system must be started and when it can be turned off? How should the low commodity prices this year affect these decisions?

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