Following several increases in fuel and nitrogen prices producers in central Nebraska are looking for better irrigation strategies to get the most from the water they have and the nitrogen they apply. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension Educator Steve Melvin is searching, too.

“The Irrigation Strategies Field Tour Series focuses on showing farmers and crop consultants management strategies to conserve water. The primary focus is working with producers and crop consultants to develop and demonstrate soil moisture monitoring equipment and irrigation scheduling strategies on farmer fields,” Melvin said.

His goal is to make the decision of when and how much irrigation water to apply as easy as keeping fuel in the tank using the fuel gauge. Applying excess water costs extra money, leaches nitrogen below the root zone, and can lower yields. Putting on too little water will also lower yields. Applying the optimum level of water is more important today than it has ever been.

The program will teach methods to get the most effective use out of your irrigation water and energy dollars by focusing on obtaining top pumping plant performance, selecting lower cost energy sources, and applying the optimum amount of water.

Field tour topics

• Predicting the Last Irrigation
• Lowering Irrigation Energy Costs
• Monitoring Crop Water Use and Soil Moisture Status - Simple, Durable, Accurate, and Economical Tools
• Water Savings with Crop Residue Management
• How Time of Application and Amount of Water Applied Effects Crop Yield

Program speakers

• Derrel Martin, UNL Irrigation and Water Resources Specialist
• Steve Melvin, UNL Extension Educator
• Simon van Donk, UNL Irrigation and Water Resources Specialist

For more information about the Irrigation Strategies Field Tour Series, contact Steve Melvin at (308) 367-4424 or smelvin1@unl.edu.

Directions to locations

Alma area
The field is located 6 3/4 miles north of Alma on US Highway 183 or ¼ mile south of the intersection of US highway 183 & Nebraska Highway 42A (Huntly Road). The field is on the west side of highway. The program will start on the east side of the road at the Vince Colgan place.

Gothenburg area
The field is located 1 ½ miles east of the intersection of Nebraska Highway 47 and Road 767/27th street (north edge of Gothenburg). The plot is on the north side of road.

Axtell area
The field is located 3 ¾ miles north of the intersection of US Highway 6 & 24 Road (1 mile east of Axtell). The plot is on the east side of the road.

Edison area
Friday August 15 starting at 10:00 am (repeat session)
The field is 7 ½ miles east of the intersection of US Highway 283 & Road 728 or 1/8 mile east of the intersection of Road 728 & Road 432. The plot is on the south side.

Loomis area
The field is located 3 miles south of the intersection of Nebraska Highway 23 & Road E (2 miles west of Loomis) Turn east on Road 733. The plot is ¼ mile east on the north side of the road.

Ainsworth area
The field is located 5½ miles west of Ainsworth on US Highways 20 and 2 ½ miles north on a county road. The plot is on the west side of the road.

Imperial area
The field is located 5 miles west of Imperial on US Highway 6. Turn north on Avenue 327. The plot is ¼ mile north on east side of road.

Benkelman area
The field is located 6 miles west of the intersection of Nebraska Highway 61 and Road 712 (6 miles north of Benkelman). Turn north on to Avenue 332. The plot is ¾ mile north on Avenue 332 on the east side of the road.

Upland area
The field is located 6 miles east of the intersection of Nebraska Highways 4 & 10 by Road 38. The plot is located on the south side of highway.

Curtis area
The field is located from the intersection of Nebraska highway 23 & Center Street (flashing light in Curtis), 6 blocks north to dead end, turn east (right) ½ block, then north (left) and follow the road 1.5 mile (road curves to the west). Turn into field road.