UNL Extension Publications on Agricultural Irrigation Sytems & Management
*Note: Most publications are available in a web page html format. If you prefer to print these articles and read offline select the PDF version. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and print PDF files. You can download the current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader at no charge from the Adobe Web site.
Irrigation Operations & Management
Application of Liquid Animal Manures Using Center Pivot Irrigation Systems, EC778 -PDF only (1.60 MB; 13 pages)
Animal manure management practices are being scrutinized to ensure that the potential for environmental pollution is minimized. Manure from large and small production facilities must be distributed in a manner that limits the potential for surface runoff, deep percolation and drift to off-target areas.
Application Uniformity of In-Canopy Sprinklers, G1712
Use of in-canopy sprinklers can reduce application uniformity and increase runoff. Learn how to evaluate the efficiency of in-canopy sprinklers.
PDF version (931 KB; 4 pages)
Converting Center Pivot Sprinkler Packages: System Considerations, G1124
Describes system-oriented factors that should be considered when changing sprinkler packages on a center pivot irrigation system.
PDF version (706 KB; 4 pages)
Firming Irrigation Furrows to Improve Irrigation Performance, G1720
Describes how a using a furrow firming wheel improves furrow irrigation performance.
PDF version (870 KB; 4 pages)
Management Recommendations for Blocked-end Furrow Irrigation, G1721
Proper blocked-end furrow irrigation management practices can minimize water application, irrigation costs and the leaching of agrichemicals below the root zone.
PDF version (712 KB; 4 pages)
Managing Furrow Irrigation Systems, G1338
Proper furrow irrigation practices can minimize water application, irrigation costs and chemical leaching and result in higher crop yields.
PDF version (758 KB; 4 pages)
Operating Characteristics of Center Pivot Sprinklers, G1532
The operating characteristics that can affect the suitability of a sprinkler package for a given field site.
PDF version (813 KB; 4 pages)
Using Modified Atmometers (ET gage® ) for Irrigation Management, G1579
Describes the atmometer (evapotranspiration gage) and explains how it can be used for irrigation scheduling. Examples are provided to show how information collected with an atmometer can be used to estimate crop water use for corn and soybean.
PDF version (975 KB; 4 pages)
Using Ultrasonic Flow Meters in Irrigation Applications, G1426
Reports on recent research to help ultrasonic flow meter users adjust inaccurate measurements, using multiple illustrations.
PDF version (854 KB; 4 pages)
Water Loss from Above-Canopy and In-Canopy Sprinklers, G1328
In-Canopy and above-canopy sprinklers are compared to determine which irrigation method minimizes water loss and reduces installation and operation costs.
PDF version (621 KB; 2 pages)
Watermark Granular Matrix Sensor to Measure Soil Matric Potential for Irrigation Management, EC783 -PDF only (530KB; 8 pages)
Defines soil matric potential and describes principles and operational characteristics of one of the electrical resistance type soil moisture sensors for irrigation management. Examples show how soil matric potential can be used for irrigation management.
Irrrigation Systems & Development
Advantages and Disadvantages of Subsurface Drip Irrigation, EC776 -PDF only (1.82 MB; 8 pages)
Discusses subsurface drip irrigation, including the advantages of water application efficiency and savings, energy savings and potential yield increases and the disadvantges of initial investment, system capacity, design restrictions and emitter clogging.
Drip Irrigation Design and Management Considerations for Windbreaks, G1739
Discusses drip irrigation, one of the most commonly used methods to irrigate windbreaks.
PDF version (812 KB; 4 pages)
Flow Control Devices for Center Pivot Irrigation Systems, G888
Factors contributing to the need for spinkler flow rate regulators and how various regulators work.
PDF version (741 KB; 3 pages)
Minimum Center Pivot Design Capacities in Nebraska, G1851
Factors to consider in choosing an appropriate center pivot design are covered here.
PDF version (670 KB; 4 pages)
Irrigation of Agricultural Crops
Irrigation Management and Crop Characteristics of Alfalfa, G1778
Alfalfa is relatively drought-tolerant, but irrigation makes it possible to grow high-quality alfalfa in Nebraska.
PDF version (621 KB; 4 pages)
Irrigation Management for Corn, G1850
Discusses corn irrigation management strategy options and objectives.
PDF version (656 KB; 4 pages)
Irrigated Production of Warm-Season Grass Seed in the High Plains, G1531
Provides information to help producers successfully incorporate warm-season grass seed production into irrigated crop rotations to achieve maximum profit potential.
PDF version (39 KB; 4 pages)
Perennial Forages for Irrigated Pasture, G1502
Plant traits and selection guide for perennial forages for irrigated pasture in Nebraska , including information on recommended mixtures and species characteristics.
PDF version (675 KB; 4 pages)
Irrigating Soybean, G1367
Proper irrigation management is critical to optimize both yields and irrigation water resources. Irrigated soybean production in Nebraska encompasses a region with diverse soils and climate and different irrigation management strategies.
PDF version (673 KB; 4 pages)
Producing Irrigated Winter Wheat, G1455
Provides production information for growing winter wheat under irrigation.
PDF version (400 KB; 4 pages)
Crop Water Use in Western Nebraska, G1465
Provides information on average weekly crop water use values for the major crops grown in western Nebraska. The information is best used for planning decisions before the season begins or for long term irrigation system planning.
PDF version (213 KB; 4 pages)
Irrigating for Maximum Economic Return with Limited Water, G1422
When irrigation water is limited, several management strategies can be implemented to achieve maximum economic returns.
PDF version (616 KB; 4 pages)
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