This peer-reviewed fact sheet from Utah State University Extension summarizes a statewide survey of surface irrigators, highlighting current practices, barriers, and opportunities for water optimization in Utah agriculture. It emphasizes the importance of...
Operation and maintenance information for several irrigation system types used in small farms.
There are many things to consider when selecting an irrigation system.
Low flow irrigation systems provide an efficient and effective way to water plants. A wide variety of emitters and delivery systems are available. Plant type, system capacity and filtration requirements are all important considerations when designing a lo...
Drip irrigation is a highly efficient irrigation method well suited to many fruit and vegetable row crops. Drip tubing or tape discharges water to the soil through emitters positioned close to the plant. The drip tubing can be placed uncovered on the soil...
Guide to Irrigation Sprinkler Packages for Pivots and Laterals
There are many good things about surface irrigation, but the labor requirements and large water withdrawals can diminish its feasibility in situations with limited access to labor or water. In this fact sheet, we will describe two of these systems current...
Irrigation canals placed in native soil or lined with earth can have seepage water losses varying from 20 percent to more than 50 percent. Well designed, new compacted earth lined canals can have reduced seepage losses similar to concrete lined channels. ...
The goal of most irrigation system design and management is to provide all plants in an irrigated area with equal access to water. In this fact sheet, we explain major causes of uneven water distribution in sprinkler and drip irrigation systems and sugges...
A wheelmove irrigation system, also known as wheel line, side roll, or lateral roll system, constitutes a major investment on the part of a farming operation. Regular maintenance of wheelmove equipment will reduce repair costs, help the system last longer...
Mobile Drip Irrigation (MDI) or Precision Mobile Drip Irrigation (PMDI) technologies for pivot and lateral/linear sprinklers have been on the market for over 15 years, and has been researched for over 40 years (Rawlins, 1974). Renewed interest has surface...
Precision irrigation is a process involving technology and specialized equipment to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of agriculture irrigation management. This management process is beneficial in allocating water based on spatial variability throu...
Generating power from solar energy used to be one of the most expensive options in Utah. This scenario is changing. According to the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE, 2021), the cost of solar power production went down by 90% between 2009 and 2...
In the correct applications, VFDs can be a great way to save energy and protect and extend the life of irrigation pumps and motors. VFD economics will be highly dependent on the conditions on each field or set of fields. Considering the complete costs of ...
Operation and irrigation management information for wheelmove, wheel-line, or sideroll irrigation systems.
This text, first published in 1978, is a classic reference for performing irrigation uniformity and performance evaluations for agricultural irrigation systems. Many of the principles and methods presented in the book continue to be relevant.
