Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1443765
44 POTATO GROWER | FEBRUARY 2022 FINAL COUNTDOWN PRINCIPLES OF EFFICIENT IRRIGATION By The Irrigation Association A report from USDA's Economic Research Service updated in October states, "The future of irrigated agriculture will depend in part on producers' ability to improve on-farm water management for crop production. Upgrades in irrigation system technologies and improved water- management practices can enhance on-farm water-use efficiency." The Irrigation Association's Principles of Efficient Agricultural Irrigation identifies the key concepts that a grower or producer should follow to attain the most efficient use of water. Following are those key principles, which are proven for successful, efficient agricultural irrigation: 1. Use qualified professionals to plan and help manage irrigation systems. According to USDA reports, only about 10% of growers seek advice to help them manage water resources better. Engineers and designers trained in irrigation systems are a great advantage when managing water resources for irrigation. A grower can obtain valuable information by consulting with an irrigation equipment dealer or manufacturer for design, installation, maintenance and management of the system. 2. Know and protect the water supply and the environment. Understanding the source of water is a key part of selecting the best irrigation method or system for your operation. The availability, quantity and reliability of various water sources are extremely important in planning an irrigation system. 3. Identify the soil type and its soil water characteristics to manage the water supply. A few simple soil tests can provide valuable information that impact irrigation efficiency, such as soil type and the water-holding capacity and infiltration rate of that soil. Having access to soils maps and/ or surveying the soil to identify variations within the field are useful for making adjustments to the nutrient and water application requirements during the growing season. 4. Understand crop water needs to know when and how much water should be applied. One of the best methods to determine and plan for crop water needs is to use evapotranspiration [ET] data. Accessing reference ET data and modifying it to fit the particular crop can be used by the grower to estimate the next irrigation event and the amount of water that will need to be applied. 5. Select appropriate irrigation methods that will efficiently deliver water to the crop. An efficient irrigation system or method must consider the soil type and properties, field topography and the type of crops being grown. Another consideration is how the irrigation system integrates into