Agricultural Irrigation

Agricultural water users can optimize water use efficiency and protect the quality of water resources by applying basic information about irrigation systems, crop water use and management practices.

No Sensors? No Sweat. New App Feature Supports Timely Irrigation Decisions
Friday August 1, 2025

No Sensors? No Sweat. New App Feature Supports Timely Irrigation Decisions

In April 2025, we launched the first version of our mobile irrigation management app, PLAN. At the time of release, we promised that an irrigation scheduling tool would be made available, specifically designed for producers who don't have access to soil moisture probes. We're thrilled to announce that this scheduling feature is now live and ready for use by all Nebraska producers. This CropWatch article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you navigate this new tool within the app.
Managing Corn Irrigation in South-central Nebraska: Insights for 2025 Under New Groundwater Allocations
Thursday May 29, 2025

Managing Corn Irrigation in South-central Nebraska: Insights for 2025 Under New Groundwater Allocations

Cutting irrigation doesn’t have to cut yield — as groundwater allocations take effect, 2024 field data show high corn yields are achievable within new NRD limits. Now’s the time to adopt proven scheduling tools and strategies to make every inch count.
How is Crop ET Used for Irrigation Decisions?
Friday June 13, 2025

How is Crop ET Used for Irrigation Decisions?

Your crop is talking. Crop ET helps you listen. Use crop evapotranspiration to know when and how much to irrigate.
Using Irrigation Scheduling Tools to Save Water Without Sacrificing Yield
Thursday April 10, 2025

Using Irrigation Scheduling Tools to Save Water Without Sacrificing Yield

Results from a series of UNL field trials in 2024 that compared traditional irrigation practices with data-driven scheduling tools highlight the potential for smarter irrigation to boost sustainability and reduce costs on the farm.
Efficiency’s Role in Irrigation and Nitrogen Use
Friday May 2, 2025

Efficiency’s Role in Irrigation and Nitrogen Use

Advanced tools like soil moisture sensors, variable rate irrigation, and precision nitrogen management are driving gains in input efficiency and on-farm profitability.
Introducing PLAN: Mobile Irrigation Management App
Wednesday April 23, 2025

Introducing PLAN: Mobile Irrigation Management App

Unlock real-time, in-field decision-making with UNL's new PLAN mobile app — bringing irrigation insights, crop water use and weather data straight to your fingertips.
Preparing for the 2025 Irrigation Season: Assessing Your System, Scheduling Tools and Soil Moisture Conditions Prior to First Irrigation
Wednesday May 14, 2025

Preparing for the 2025 Irrigation Season: Assessing Your System, Scheduling Tools and Soil Moisture Conditions Prior to First Irrigation

With unrelenting drought this growing season, early preparation of irrigation systems and the right scheduling tools could be the difference between high yields and costly water stress.
Ten Ways to Cut Nitrogen Fertilizer Expenses
Thursday May 8, 2025

Ten Ways to Cut Nitrogen Fertilizer Expenses

With urea ammonium nitrate in short supply, Nebraska corn growers must make every pound of nitrogen count — start optimizing your N strategy today with these UNL recommendations and tools.
Webinar: Optimizing Irrigation and Nutrient Management
Tuesday May 20, 2025

Webinar: Optimizing Irrigation and Nutrient Management

How much can irrigation and nitrogen management impact yields? In the 2024 TAPS contest, the difference was 68 bushels — find out why in a new webinar from UNL’s Center for Agricultural Profitability.
Groundwater regulation impacts on Nebraska land values
Monday May 19, 2025

Groundwater regulation impacts on Nebraska land values

With new regulations being implemented in Nebraska because of falling groundwater levels, you may be wondering how they will impact the value of agricultural lands in those regions. Ag economists from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute analyzed what has happened historically. Their findings: Land values were unaffected by groundwater allocations. Neither allocations or well moratoria had any significant effect on the value of land that had already been developed for irrigation. Well moratoria reduced the value of dryland acres by 9%.

Nebraska Mesonet Launches Improved, Real-time Weather Data
Monday March 31, 2025

Nebraska Mesonet Launches Improved, Real-time Weather Data

The Nebraska Mesonet, a critical tool for weather monitoring and data collection across the state, has launched a redesigned, user-friendly website offering real-time weather data. The upgrade comes as the mesonet is growing its network of weather monitoring stations across Nebraska to offer more accurate data.
DAWN Dashboard: A Decision Support Tool for the Corn Belt
Monday March 31, 2025

DAWN Dashboard: A Decision Support Tool for the Corn Belt

Our Nebraska Digital Ag Survey indicated that digital dashboards have been adopted by three out of 10 farmers. Digital dashboards are considered decision support tools that can guide farmers in the decision-making process in their operations with the goal of increasing efficiency, productivity and sustainability of their farms. Data-driven decisions are a key goal for digital agriculture. In this article, we are highlighting the Dashboard for Agricultural Water and Nutrient Management (DAWN), developed by a team of universities as part of a USDA NIFA grant.

Agricultural water users can optimize water use efficiency and protect the quality of water resources by applying basic information about irrigation systems, crop water use and management practices.