Education Commons^™

G05-1579 Using Modified Atmometers (EtGage®) For Irrigation Management, Suat Irmak, Jose O, Payero, Derrel L. Martin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the atmometer (evapotranspiration gage) and explains how it can be used for irrigation scheduling. Examlpes are provided to show how information collected with an atmometer can be used to estimate crop water use for corn and soybean.

Cc03-432 Make Every Drop Count In Your Home On Your Yard

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Did You Know...

Weather adjustments to an automatic irrigation system can conserve A LOT of water.

A system applying 1 inch of water to an average size lawn (approximately 5,000 square feet) that has already received sufficient rain wastes over 3,000 gallons of water -- a year's supply of drinking water for 17 people.

G02-1465 Crop Water Use In Western Nebraska, C. Dean Yonts

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Whether your water originates from the ground or the river, water for irrigation is becoming limited due to diminishing supplies and increasing environmental needs. In many areas of the Nebraska Panhandle, groundwater levels are dropping due to over development of the aquifers. In river valleys, water shortages occur during periods of drought.

This NebGuide provides information on average weekly crop water use values for the major crops grown in western Nebraska. The information is best used for planning decisions before the season begins or for long term irrigation system planning.

Nf02-505 Drinking Water: Chloramines Waters Disinfection In Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Bacteria and other disease-causing organisms in drinking water can cause intestinal infections, dysentery, and a variety of other illnesses. Water disinfection reduces disease-causing organisms and prevents the transmission of disease. This publication discusses the disinfection process used by Metropolitan Utilities District and how it will change in 2002.

Nf507 Manure Testing: What To Request?, Charles Shapiro, Charles S. Wortmann, Richard Deloughery

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Manure testing is necessary to make optimum use of manure while protecting water resources. This NebFact is a guide to providing information on a Manure Sample Submission Form for reliable interpretation of results.

Cc01-371 Estimated Irrigation Costs, 2001, Roger Selley

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This extension circular consists of a series of tables to help the operator estimate irrigation costs for the year 2001. Costs were calculated at four well depths for a gravity system which has an output of 1,000 gpm and irrigates 100 acres.

Irrigation costs were estimated with the aid of the Irrigation System Cost Analysis computer program. Energy prices used in the cost computations are those which were expected to occur in 2001. Irrigation equipment and well drilling costs were collected by a telephone survey from selected dealers. These costs do not include sales tax, personal property tax, insurnace, or …

Ec01-797 Filtration And Maintenance: Considerations For Subsurface Drip Irrigation (Sdi), Brian Benham, Jose O. Payero

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

When using Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) systems, it is important to prevent clogging problems before they occur. The best prevention plan includes an effective filtration and water treatment strategy. Depending on the water source and its quality, various combinations of sand separation, filtration and chemical treatments may be required and are discussed here in this extension circular.

Ec01-107 Nebraska Proso, Sunflower, Pulse Crop, Amaranth, Oat And Spring Wheat Variety Tests 2001, David D. Baltensperger, Glen E. Frickel, Robert N. Klein, James Krall, Jack Cecil, James Hain, Clair Stymiest, John Rickertson, Jerry Nachtman, Lenis Alton Nelson, P. Stephen Baenziger, B. Todd Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This circular is a progress report of spring small grain trials grown throughout Nebraska, and proso, amaranth, sunflower, and pulse crop variety trials conducted by the Panhandle Research and Extension Center, Scottsbluff, and the High Plains Agricultural Laboratory, Sidney. Conduct of the experiments and publication of results is a joint effort of the Agricutlural Research Division and the Cooperative Extension Service.

Nf584 Strategies For Range Beef Cattle Producers In Arid Environments Following Drought, Tom Holman, Patrick E. Reece, Ivan G. Rush, David D. Baltensperger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact addresses how to deal with an inadequate supply of forage for range beef cattle because of drought. Precipitation can be below average for much of the Nebraska Panhandle and adjoining areas for prolonged periods. Prolonged drought results in an inadequate supply of forage for hundreds of thousands of beef cattle on millions of acres of rangeland. While some variation occurs among ranches and among pastures within a given ranch, all rangeland vegetation in arid environments like western Nebraska can be moderately to severely damaged by drought stress and/or excessive grazing. Consequently, even if soil moisture is not limited …

Ec00-2540 Field Records For Restricted Use Pesticide Applications And Integrated Crop Management By Private Applicators, Clyde Ogg, Larry D. Schulze, Charles A. Shapiro, William L. Kranz, Ralph D. Kulm

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Private applicators must record their restricted use pesticide (RUP) applications, as required by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade (FACT) Act of 1990. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service administers this activity. In Nebraska, RUP application records must be maintained for three years from the date of application. The certified pesticide applicator should retain these RUP records, but must be able to make them accessible for copying by authorized representatives. This booklet is a suggested guide for preliminary or final RUP application records.

Ec00-154 Precision Agriculture: Soil Sampling For Precision Agriculture, Richard B. Ferguson, Gary W. Hergert

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

As various aspects of precision agriculture are implemented in Nebraska, some of the most frequent questions asked by producers, fertilizer dealers and crop consultants relate to soil sampling. Should I soil sample this field on a grid? What grid spacing should I use? How often should I sample? Can I use a yield map to tell where to soil sample? All of these are good questions, but often we do not have definitive answers. Site-specific management research conducted in recent years in Nebraska, however, provides some direction on how to implement a soil sampling program for precision agriculture.

G99-1395 Soybean Seeding Rates, Roger Wesley Elmore, James E. Specht

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Recommended soybean seeding rates, stand assessment and replanting rates based on Nebraska field research are addressed in this NebGuide. The soybean stand looked horrible late that May. The field had a good seed bed at planting, but rain after planting crusted the soil over the seed furrows. Rain was in the short-term forecast. All other row crops were planted and looked fine, but this field concerned the producer.

Nf98-377 Kentucky Bluegrass Seed Production Management In Western Nebraska And Eastern Wyoming, Rebecca L. Harms, David D. Baltensperger, Robert C. Shearman, Dan Laursen, Roger Hammons, Tony Merrigan, Jim Krall, C. Dean Yonts

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses management practicies related to Kentucky Bluegrass seed production.

G98-1356 Polyacrylamide – A Method To Reduce Soil Erosion, C. Dean Yonts, Brian Benham

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes polyacrylamide, what it is, how it can be used to reduce soil erosion due to, irrigation and what water management changes must be considered.

Topsoil loss can mean a long-term reduction in soil productivity, crop yield and the life expectancy of downstream storage reservoirs. In the short term, producers are faced with reuse pits to clean or a buildup of soil at the lower ends of fields which must be redistributed. Measures must be taken to reduce or eliminate soil erosion and sustain Nebraska's soil resource.

G98-1369 Drinking Water: Nitrate And Methemoglobinemia ("Blue Baby" Syndrome), Sharon Skipton, Delynn Hay

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the blood disorder methemoglobinemia, its effect on infants and prevention methods. Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder caused when nitrite interacts with the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Unlike hemoglobin, the methemoglobin formed in this interaction cannot carry sufficient oxygen to the body's cells and tissues. Although methemoglobinemia is rare among adults, cases have been reported among infants, where nitrate-contaminated well water was used to prepare formula and other baby foods. Nitrate in well water may result from point sources such as sewage disposal systems and livestock facilities, from nonpoint sources such as fertilized cropland, parks, golf courses, …

Nf98-375 What Is The "Cooperative Agreement" For Endangered Species Habitat Along The Central Platte River?, Gary R. Lingle, Thomas G. Franti

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The governors of Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming and the Secretary of the Interior signed a historic agreement on July 1, 1997. This agreement addresses endangered species issues affecting the Platte River Basin upstream of its confluence with the Loup River. The Cooperative Agreement for Platte River Research and Other Efforts Relating to Endangered Species Habitats Along the Central Platte River, Nebraska provides funding and an administrative structure to allow the states and the federal government to work together in enhancing water and land resources for endangered species. The agreement has two main objectives: 1. To develop and implement a "recovery …

Ec98-149 Summer Annual Forages For The Nebraska Panhandle: Variety Tests, 1989-1992 And 1997, Burt Weichenthal, David D. Baltensperger, Patrick E. Reece

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Summer annual forage grasses can provide valuable forage as pasture, green chop, silage, and hay. With adequate soil moisture these forages grow very rapidly during warm summer months. Most varieties are relatively drought resistant because of efficient water use. It is important to select a type and variety most suitable to the system in which it is to used. Nebraska producers have relied primarily on six types of summer annual forage grasses to meet or supplement forage needs. This circular is a summary report of summer annual forage trials conduted in 1989-92 and 1997 to obtain forage production and quality …

G98-1372 Management Recommendations For Blocked-End Furrow Irrigation, Dean E. Eisenhauer, Brian L. Benham

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Proper blocked-end furrow irrigation management practices can minimize water application, irrigation costs and the leaching of agri-chemicals below the root zone.

The goal of every irrigator should be to apply the right amount of water uniformly to meet crop needs. To do this, irrigators need to know how much water is applied and where it goes. In other words, they need to know how uniformly the irrigation water infiltrates into the soil profile. Achieving a uniform water application is not easy when using furrow irrigation. However, with a better understanding of how irrigation system management affects water distribution and a …

Ec97-105 Nebraska Corn Hybrid Tests, 1997, Lenis Alton Nelson, Robert N. Klein, Roger Wesley Elmore, David D. Baltensperger, Paul T. Nordquist, Charles A. Shapiro

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This circular is a progress report of corn hybrid performance tests conducted by the Agronomy Department and the Northeast, South Central, West Central and Panhandle Research and Extension Centers. Conduct of experiments and publication of results is a joint effort of the Agricultural Research Division and the Cooperative Extension Service. Tests were supported in part by fees paid by hybrid seed corn producers.

G97-1340 Firming Irrigation Furrows To Improve Irrigation Performance (Revised November 1999), Dean E. Eisenhauer, C. Dean Yonts

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how using a furrow firming wheel improves furrow irrigation performance.

Nearly half of the irrigated acres in Nebraska are furrow irrigated. Higher pumping costs, water restrictions and water shortages are all factors encouraging efficiency-improving irrigation practices. Generally, reduced efficiency with furrow irrigation occurs in two ways: runoff or deep percolation. Although hard to eliminate, runoff can be controlled by: tailwater reuse systems; changing furrow stream size; or changing irrigation set time. Deep percolation is the loss of water below the root zone. The amount of deep percolation caused by irrigation is difficult to estimate unless irrigation application …

Ec97-782 Water Quality Criteria For Irrigation, Glenn J. Hoffman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In irrigated agriculture, the hazard of salt water is a constant threat. Poor-quality irrigation water is generally more concerning as the climate changes from humid to arid conditions. Salinity is not normally a threat where precipitation is a major source of salt-free water for crop production. Water entering the soil which is not stored or consumed by evapotranspiration moves through the crop root zone, eventually reaching the water table. This percolating process flushes (leaches) soluble salts. Less rainfall means smaller amounts of precipitation available to leach salts. In Nebraska, rainfall decreases from 30 inches in the east to 15 inches …

Nf96-249 Nitrogen Application Practices In Nebraska, William Miller, Ray Supalla, Benedict Juliano

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses nitrogen application among Nebraska farmers.

G96-1282 Drinking Water: Man-Made Chemicals, Paul J. Jasa, David L. Varner, Sharon Skipton, Delynn Hay

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses recommended practices to manage man-made chemicals in a domestic water supply. Many Nebraskans are concerned about the effects some of the man-made chemicals that have become part of everyday life may have on their water supply. As the name implies, these chemicals do not exist in nature but were made by man. With proper storage and use of these chemicals and with proper well construction, the risks to groundwater from the chemicals are low and the benefits are many. In some areas of the state, however, industrial solvents, manufacturing chemicals, ammunition wastes, pesticides and grain fumigants have …

Nf96-248 Factors Considered To Decide Nitrogen Application Rate, William Miller, Ray Supalla, Benedict Juliano

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses nitrogen application among Nebraska farmers.

G96-1297 Buffalograss: An Alternative Native Grass For Turf (Revised October 1998), Terrance P. Riordan, Frederick P. Baxendale, Roch E. Gaussoin, John E. Watkins

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the benefits of buffalograss turf plantings.

Buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides) is a native grass species which has prospered on the Great Plains for centuries. Both cyclic and prolonged droughts have allowed it to evolve water use efficiency and sod forming ability. People are using this short, fine-leaved prairie grass as an ecologically sound and energy efficient turf.

G96-1305 Water Runoff From Sprinkler Irrigation: A Case Study, Norman L. Klocke, William L. Kranz, C. Dean Yonts, Kelly Wertz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide illustrates the influence of soil texture, topography and irrigation system characteristics on potential runoff.

When water is applied to a field through a sprinkler irrigation system, it should soak into the soil where it lands rather than drain to a low spot or off the field altogether. Runoff causes non-uniformity of water application, poor irrigation efficiency and possible leaching of chemicals to the groundwater. Some systems like LEPA (Low Energy Precision Application) are designed so water does not immediately soak into the soil. However, proper LEPA designs also call for tillage practices that hold the water on the …

Ec95-744 Design And Management Of Storage Containment Of Fertilizer And Pesticides, Robert D. Grisso, Delynn Hay, Gerald R. Bodman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Storage, handling and disposal of pesticides and fertilizers have been identified by state and federal agencies as practices that create high risks to surface and groundwater quality. This circular is to assist those who need secondary containment for fertilizers and pesticides. This will help develop a construction plan that should meet the State of Nebraska Containment Regulations and assess facility needs, construction materials, size requirements and management needs.

Ec94-737 Calibrating Anhydrous Ammonia Applicators, William L. Kranz, Charles A. Shapiro, Robert Grisso

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Application of agricultural chemicals has come under increased scrutiny from environmental groups and federal regulatory agencies. Nitrogen fertilizer is used in greater quantities than any other agricultural chemical. It also is the contaminant most often found in Nebraska groundwater. Accurate application of nitrogen is important from an environmental and economic viewpoint. Approximately 800 million pounds of nitrogen are applied to 12 million acres of Nebraska cropland each year. Nitrogen applied as anhydrous ammonia (NH₃) accounts for around 40 percent of the total nitrogen applied.

Nf94-179 Surge Irrigation Management, Kelly Wertz, Joel E. Cahoon, C. Dean Yonts

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses surge irrigation management.

Nf94-177 Nebraska Surge Irrigation Trials, C. Dean Yonts, Joel E. Cahoon, Dean E. Eisenhauer, Kelly Wertz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses the Nebraska Surge Irrigation Trials.