|
|
Research geared to water needsParadigm shift in water management recognized Nebraska "We really have seen a paradigm shift in water management in Nebraska, and I don't expect it to change back anytime soon," said University of Nebraska-Lincoln Biological Systems Engineer Derrel Martin. Martin cited the passage of LB962, which requires a conjunctive use, sustainability, analysis of all of the state's watersheds. The Natural Resources Districts are developing integrated water management plans, he said. The price of fuel has doubled in the last five years, so what it costs an irrigator is huge compared to what it used to be, Martin said. "We have down-stream or in-stream flow requirements that are beginning to dominate how we manage our watersheds," he said. "On the Platte, we have endangered species and no new depletion issues." "On the Republican, we have compliance issues on flows to Kansas," Martin said. "We will have to manage water differently than we did five years ago." Martin said that UNL is engaged in a number of research projects to help producers adjust to changes in water realities. An evapotranspiration study looks at irrigated crops and native range to determine water use rates for the various crops and forages, he said. A study to assess the impact of invasive species is just beginning. Other work tries to measure the water use of riparian grasslands. This would provide a base line for managing river bottom vegetation. If all trees were removed, grasses would become the likely ground cover along Nebraska rivers, so we need to know how much water this type of vegetation uses compared to that of trees. Martin's colleagues are working to use satellite data to measure evapotranspiration, but it's tricky technology that needs to be carefully managed. Each Research and Extension Center, plus the South Central Agriculture Lab, has installed a subsurface irrigation system, Martin said. Dean Yonts, Suat Irmak, Bill Kranz and Simon van Donk are using this equipment to do several things. First, they're demonstrating how to use these systems. It's very different from other types of irrigation systems, he said. The producer really has to know what he's doing before he gets started, because, if he does something to plug up the system, he's got a lot of time and expense involved in fixing the problem. They're also looking for ways to extend the life of these systems. Simon van Donk in North Platte is beginning a study to determine how crop residues affect evaporation, Martin said. "Suat Irmak and I are looking at the same question in central Nebraska. We know that the drier it gets and the farther west we go, the less effect residues may have on evaporation," Martin said. Another group of water researchers are studying the effects of terraces on the amount of water flow, particularly in the Republican Basin. Measurements show a substantial amount of recharge to the ground water that occurs beneath the terrace channels. While the terraces catch run-off that might otherwise reach the river, they also increase evapotranspiration so farmers gets more yield. Terraces also provide recharge in the watershed. The study is about two-thirds complete and Martin hopes it will improve our ability to quantify the impact of terraces on the watershed when it's finished. A study is just beginning, to survey the basin including the Kansas and Colorado portions, to determine the storage capacity and types of terraces that are in place. "We encourage people to get involved in understanding all water issues," Martin said. "Then they should let their opinion be known. The 'know how' is really important when it comes to managing our water resources." 6/9/08 Date: 6/4/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
