Agriculture Commons^™

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

Restoring The Rio Grande—What Will It Take?, Denise Fort

Sustainable Use of the West's Water (Summer Conference, June 12-14)

18 pages.

Contains 1 page of references.

A Response To Kansas V. Colorado: Sustainable Use Of The Arkansas River, David L. Harrison

Sustainable Use of the West's Water (Summer Conference, June 12-14)

17 pages (includes 1 folded map).

Arizona Water Management: New Problems And New Solutions, Herb Dishlip

Sustainable Use of the West's Water (Summer Conference, June 12-14)

12 pages.

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.

Nf94-178 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.

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.

Nf94-176 Surge Irrigation, C. Dean Yonts, Joel E. Cahoon, Dean E. Eisenhauer, Kelly Wertz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses surge irrigation.

G94-1221 Checking The Performance Of Your Landscape Irrigation System, Don Steinegger, Roch E. Gaussoin, Delynn Hay

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide outlines methods to assess and improve landscape irrigation performance. A properly designed and functioning irrigation system can save water, improve plant appearance, and reduce non-point source pollution. An irrigation system also must apply water uniformly, at a rate that the soil can absorb, and the proper amount to meet the water needs of the landscape plants. Runoff can result when an improperly functioning system applies water faster than the soil can absorb it. This runoff can carry applied fertilizer, such as nitrogen, as well as some pesticides into the streets and eventually into storm drains. Another concern is …

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.

G93-1191 Glossary Of Water-Related Terms, William L. Kranz, Delynn Hay, James W. Goeke, David Gosselin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide is a glossary of water quantity, quality and human health related terms involving water. Terms are defined in contexts that could affect Nebraskans. We depend upon water for our very existence. The impact of water quality and quantity issues has never been greater. Yet the terminology used to describe the water we drink, the water we provide to plants and animals, the water stored underground, in lakes, rivers, and oceans, is not well understood by many Nebraskans. This listing of water-related terms is intended to reduce the potential for misunderstanding presentations made by elected officials, environmental agencies and …

G93-1157 Testing Irrigation Water, Delynn Hay, K.D. Frank

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide explains some of the reasons irrigation water should be tested and provides guidelines for collecting and submitting water samples. All irrigation water contains essential plant nutrients. These nutrients are free bonuses from a crop production standpoint. However, some nutrients can be present in amounts that will be toxic or damaging to crop growth. The nutrient content of Nebraska irrigation water can be highly variable from one location to another. The purpose of this guide is to provide guidelines for collecting and submitting irrigation water samples to laboratories for analysis. Reasons for having irrigation water tested are discussed. The …

Utah Fertilizer Guide, D. W. James, K. F. Topper

All Archived Publications

No abstract provided.

Nf93-140 Water Management For Irrigation In Nebraska, Norman L. Klocke, Joel E. Cahoon, Dean E. Eisenhauer, Delynn R. Hay, Glenn J. Hoffman, William L. Kranz, Derrel L. Martin, Darrell Watts, C. Dean Yonts

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses water management for irrigation.

G93-1181 Evaluating Your Landscape Irrigation System, Don Steinegger, Roch E. Gaussoin, Garald L. Horse

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide addresses irrigation techniques and methods that can improve water usage.

In the summer months, most water used in residential areas is applied to landscapes. By learning how much water to apply to your landscape and when to apply it, you simultaneously support four landscape irrigation goals: reducing costs, conserving water, reducing non-point pollution (contamination from a broad geographical area such as fertilizer, run off from urban landscapes), and maintaining an attractive landscape.

G93-1154 Crop Residue And Irrigation Water Management, Joel Cahoon, Norman Klocke, William L. Kranz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Crop residue cover and tillage practices play important roles in the way that crops use water, and also affect the ability of irrigation systems to replace that water. The effects of these practices and other influencing factors are discussed in this NebGuide. Tillage practices and crop residue management play an important role in the way that irrigation systems perform and are managed. Tillage practices affect the way that water moves into and off of the soil (infiltration and runoff). Tillage practices also affect the way that water moves from the soil into the atmosphere (evapotranspiration).

Best Management Practices To Minimize Nitrate Leaching For Irrigated Potatoes, Robert W. Hill, Ahmad Y. Ranjha

All Archived Publications

Nitrate nitrogen (N03-N) leaching is becoming an alarming threat to ground water in many areas in the U.S. In one study in North Carolina, over 9000 domestic wells were sampled for nitrate. Over 3 percent (288 wells) contained N03-N at levels exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safe drinking water standard of 10 mgIL (Jennings, et aI., 1991). Ground water quality concerns in central Nebraska surfaced in the mid 1950s when scientists observed increasing N03-N concentrations in the ground water of some river valleys (Olson et aI., 1962). In Utah also, excessive N03-N contamination has been found in private wells. …

G92-1124 Converting Center Pivot Sprinkler Packages: System Considerations, Joel E. Cahoon, Norman Klocke, William L. Kranz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide points out some of the system-oriented factors that should be considered when changing sprinkler packages on a center pivot irrigation system. Irrigators using existing center pivots may be interested in changing sprinkler packages for a number of reasons: to take advantage of new sprinkler technology, to overcome a poor design on the original package, to reduce energy requirements, or simply to replace worn sprinklers on an older machine.

G92-1084 Culture Of Cole Crops, Laurie Hodges, R.E. Neild

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

How to grow successfully broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi.

Cole crops, which include broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi, can be successfully grown on most soils if drainage is good and the crop is supplied with adequate water and nutrients, particularly nitrogen. Light-textured soils usually produce earlier crops but heavier soils hold more moisture and tend to produce crops that hold quality longer at maturity.

Cole crops have shallow root systems. Inadequate moisture may cause small cauliflower heads to form prematurely. Rainfall or irrigation following a prolonged dry spell may cause splitting of cabbage and kohlrabi. Supplemental …

G92-1099 Estimating Effective Rainfall, Joel E. Cahoon, C. Dean Yonts, Steven R. Melvin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

How irrigators can estimate effective rainfall, and use that estimate to schedule irrigations properly. Scheduling irrigation based on crop demand (see NebGuide G85-753 Irrigation Scheduling Using Crop Water Use Data, on the checkbook method) requires an estimate of effective precipitation or rainfall. Effective rainfall estimates are also important for planning cropping sequences in both dryland and irrigationd crop production. Effective rainfall is the amount of rainfall stored in the crop root zone. Rainfall that runs off the soil surface or passes through the root zone does not contribute to crop growth and yield. There are two steps to estimating effective …

G92-1081 Factors That Affect Soil-Applied Herbicides, R. S. Moomaw, Robert N. Klein, Alex Martin, Fred Roeth, P.J. Shea, G.A. Wicks, R. G. Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Characteristics of soil-applied herbicides are discussed, including site of uptake by weeds, solubility, adsorption, persistence, leaching potential, photodecomposition, and volatility. For best performance, preemergence and preplant herbicides must be placed in the top 0 to 3 inches of soil. Placement is important because the herbicide must enter the germinating weed seedling in order to kill it. Herbicides can be blended into the soil by mechanical incorporation, rainfall, or sprinkler irrigation, depending on the herbicide. Herbicide characteristics that determine their performance are site of uptake by weeds, solubility, adsorption, persistence, leaching potential, photodecomposition, and volatility. An understanding of these factors will …

Ec92-736 Safety With Center Pivot Irrigation, Rollin D. Schnieder

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Center pivot irrigation has proven to be an effective and low labor method of applying water and agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, to cropland. It is a young industry in terms of use. Consequently, manufacturers and users of the equipment have an opportunity keep it a safe method of water application. This publication gives pointers on how to use your center pivot irrigation system.