Installation of high flow structures can help improve irrigation efficiency from less
than 25% to over 60% due to improvement in the opportunity time (i.e., greater uniformity
of application with less water).
The time required for a given irrigation using the high flow irrigation turnout has
been reduced substantially (e.g., greater than 50% in most cases) with labor costs being
cut in half.
Laser leveling increases irrigation application uniformity and overall irrigation
efficiency (e.g., it is possible to apply 2" to 3" of water when fields are
laser leveled and irrigated with high flow turnouts; this is possible when the producer
has access to a large head of water, e.g., 15 to 20 cfs).
By installing a water metering device (data logger), an analysis of the irrigation
system efficiency is made; this allows the producer evaluate and implement alternative
practices which will increase his irrigation efficiency. This amounts to a significant
saving in irrigation water used (e.g., water metered on fields that are laser leveled,
having high flow turnouts and lined ditches, has resulted in farmers being charged as much
as 40% less per irrigation).
Water use has been reduced from 4 to 3 feet where the implementation of irrigation
conservation practices are installed: laser leveling, concrete ditch lining, high flow
turnouts, water metering, soil moisture sensors (irrigation scheduling), reduced tillage,
mowing program, and smaller fields (shorter runs and smaller borders).
Tensiometers have been used to schedule irrigations at the appropriate time, thus
preventing plant stress conditions; consequently, a higher crop yield and quality means a
wider profit margin to the producer.
Where appropriate, installation of pipelines can be used to both conserve and convey
water very efficiently.
Properly maintained drains keep the root zone well aerated and provides for a healthy
growing environment; this is a very important component of a well managed operation.
Farmers are coming to realize the importance of irrigation water management and are
doing more of their own irrigating and/or are carefully training and supervising their
irrigators..
Record keeping has proven to be an invaluable decision/management tool of the farmers
success in irrigating more efficiently and effectively.
Minimum tillage in the orchards can conserve water by improving the soil-water-plant
relationships (i.e., a soil with a higher organic matter content, has a beneficial effect
on the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties).
Reduced tillage in orchards is having an improvement soil surface structure and tilth,
and a concurrent reduction in fuel and labor requirements.
The development of nutrient budgets has resulted in significant reductions in inputs of
fertilizers, soil amendments, and other chemicals. Nutrient management is also a part of
our Holistic Irrigation Technology (HIT) Program that integrates all aspects of farm
operations.
Preplant nitrogen use has been decreased or eliminated all together.
Nitrogen applications have been reduced in pecan orchards from over 250 units per acre
down to 150 units with no loss in yield or quality (the trend is toward splitting
fertilizer application with every irrigation).
Soil, tissue, and water analysis is being used to assist farmers in making informed
decisions on all chemical inputs, which results in a balanced applications of needed
nutrients for optimal plant growth.
