Irrigation

Water spraying into corn field — Field corn under pivot irrigation. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Irrigation Season Could Run Longer for Dry Bean Crop

August 13, 2024

Updates on crop progress, irrigation water deliveries and crop water use for growers in the Panhandle and western Nebraska.

Corn field receiving irrigation in late season — Many irrigators apply more water than necessary toward the end of the irrigation season because the crop is using less water per day. To mitigate losses, calculate the amount of water needed from rain and irrigation for the crop to reach maturity starting in early August.

Time to Consider Using the Remaining Stored Soil Water in Irrigated Corn and Bean Fields

August 7, 2024

The last few irrigations of the season require careful consideration. An unneeded irrigation can waste several inches of water and gallons of diesel fuel, and leaves little room in the soil profile to capture winter/spring rains.

Dry bean field — Dry edible beans in the Panhandle are at varying growth stages with the severe weather this year. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Dry Bean Crop Challenged by Weather in Nebraska Panhandle

August 6, 2024

Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on crop conditions in the Panhandle after severe storms damaged fields across Nebraska last week.

Center pivot watering bean field — Center pivot creates a rainbow in a dry bean field. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Center Pivots: Innovation That Grew Crops and Acres in Nebraska

August 1, 2024

Did you know that a farmer from Nebraska invented the center pivot? Learn more about the evolution of center pivots in this second installment of Nebraska Extension's water series.

Closeup of field pea plant — Peas in field trials at the UNL High Plains Ag Lab during the June wheat tour. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Dry Pea Harvest Begins Early with Hot Weather

July 31, 2024

Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on Panhandle crop progress and crop water use this week.

Weekly Irrigation Newsletter: Using Soil Water Tension Sensors to Schedule Irrigation in East-central Nebraska

September 20, 2024

In the final update for this year, three Nebraska growers share comprehensive irrigation data from their study fields throughout the 2024 growing season.