Crop Watch: Irrigation Management Tools and Cost-Share Programs

Reprinted from Crop Watch

May 13, 2015

With spring planting well underway, it’s time for irrigators to begin thinking about this summer’s irrigation management.  While parts of the state are experiencing flooding, other areas are unfortunately experiencing drought conditions. Hopefully irrigators across the state will receive adequate rainfall to delay irrigation until July or even later, but in Nebraska you just never know.

Figure 1. University researchers installing soil water sensors.

That’s one reason why more producers and crop consultants are utilizing soil moisture monitoring equipment to effectively manage their irrigation.

Whether you use watermark or capacitance soil water sensors, ETgages (atmometers), flow meters, or other types of equipment or services, each can provide valuable information to help you make informed irrigation management decisions.  An old quote is very appropriate, “If you don’t monitor it, how can you manage it?”

One option for producers and crop consultants is to participate in the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network (NAWMN).  Since starting in 2005 with 15 growers in the Upper Big Blue NRD, the NAWMN has grown to over 1,229 participants statewide. The NAWMN has been promoting the use of two tools: Watermark soil water sensors and ETgages.  More information and videos about installing and using these two tools are available at http://water.unl.edu/cropswater/awmdnvideos.

Surveys of producers using soil moisture sensors and ETgages typically report reduced pumping of 1-2 inches of water annually, as well as associated fuel savings.  With lower grain prices this year, it is important to reduce input costs wherever possible.

Cost-Share Programs

Many Nebraska Natural Resource Districts are encouraging the use of soil water sensors, ET gages, or flow meters by offering cost-share programs. In a quick check of Natural Resource Districts across the state, 19 of Nebraska’s 23 NRDs offer some type of cost share for these types of equipment. Table 1 includes a list of NRDs, the type of cost-share available, and a web address and phone number for producers to contact for more information.  Programs vary widely between NRDs, so it’s important to check with them or your area NRCS field office for more information about cost share opportunities.

As a reminder, producers and consultants who have ETgages are encouraged to post their weekly ETgage readings on the interactive website. In addition, producers wanting evapotranspiration or ET data for growing crops can use the site to get daily estimates from Nebraska weather stations based on crop growth stage.  This website is currently being updated, so look for changes soon.

As a general rule, even without cost-share, these tools can help producers make timely science-based decisions that are economically and environmental sound.

Gary Zoubek
Aaron Nygren
Chuck Burr
UNL Extension Educators