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WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 45 DO YOU HAVE A VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE? VRI changes a pivot's flow rate as it moves around the field, and these dips in flow are an opportunity to save energy. A variable frequency drive (VFD) will cut back the motor's speed to take advantage of the lower flow requirement. If pumping with electricity, install a VFD to realize the most energy savings. DOES YOUR FIELD HAVE ENOUGH VARIABILITY TO JUSTIFY VRI? This is probably the most difficult question to answer. Bob Evans, formerly with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, did a survey of VRI literature in 2013. He found that water savings from VRI typically ranged from 5 to 15 percent. These savings are relatively modest when considering that the cost of a VRI system can range from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on the pivot size. However, 5 to 15 percent can add up quickly when considering fertigation. Most VRI research to date has focused on hardware aspects, but recently more management-focused experiments have emerged. Some of these studies examined the savings potential of dynamically controlled VRI systems, and the results look promising. The biggest obstacle to using dynamic VRI is the burden of managing all that information. As agricultural information technology develops, VRI has the potential to become a central component in precision irrigation management. This article originally appeared in the Irrigation Association's Irrigation Today publication in October 2016. Max Yield From the Ground Up 1-800-288-8128 • www.tgschmeiser.com Better Soil Prep For a Higher Yield Max Yield From the Ground Up From the Ground Up 30' Till an' Bedder™ Seed Bed Maker Soil preparation equipment from TG Schmeiser is engineered to provide maximum productivity per acre. Versatile implements till, mulch, cultivate and firm the soil for optimum seed germination. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K 2016MaxYield4.6x4.6FINAL.pdf 1 11/24/15 1:59 PM 157791TGSchm13.indd 1 1/3/17 9:26 AM 152430MicTra13.indd 1 8/25/15 8:35 AM