|
|
Conservation funding helps producer find irrigation solutionNebraska Anyone who has walked an irrigation ditch, gotten up at 4 a.m. to switch gates on irrigation pipe or tried to untangle a center pivot after a wind storm knows that despite all the advancements in irrigation, there is still a long way to go. Adams County farmer Dave Burr thinks he has found an irrigation solution that suits his operation through sub-surface drip irrigation. Sub-surface drip irrigation--commonly referred to as SDI--is a fairly new method of irrigation. Instead of providing irrigation water on the surface, an SDI system is buried underground. A plastic tape is installed about 14" below ground and runs parallel to each other about 50" to 72" apart. Along the tape at 18"-intervals are "emitters" which slowly release irrigation water. SDI has proven to be one of the most efficient methods of irrigation since it provides water directly to the soil at the root zone. Less water is applied since no water is lost to evaporation or runoff. Burr and his sons Damon and Darin heard about sub-surface drip irrigation from a neighbor in Adams County. They were intrigued by the concept, but the cost and installation process made them hesitant. When the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service began providing financial assistance to landowners wanting to install a sub-surface drip irrigation system, Burr decided to take another look. Burr worked with Kevin Hurt, soil conservation technician in the Hastings NRCS field office, to install a sub-surface drip irrigation system. NRCS, provided funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help pay a portion of the cost to install the sub-surface drip irrigation system. Burr said, "A sub-surface drip irrigation system provides tremendous water savings. With gravity irrigation, producers often apply around 10 to 15 inches of water per acre. With SDI, irrigators are applying a third of that." The amount of water saved is not the only positive attribute of SDI, according to Burr. "Since water is applied underground, the surface stays dry. This prevents weeds from becoming established. There just isn't water available for them to grow," said Burr. Fewer weeds mean less competition for nutrients and water, leaving more resources for the crop. SDI also saves soil. With gravity or center pivot irrigation, water not absorbed into the soil runs off the field taking soil, pesticides and fertilizer with it. Since SDI applies water below the surface, there is no run off, therefore limiting erosion to only occur during heavy rainfall events. In the past few years since Burr has installed SDI, he has seen a significant savings in water, fuel and time. But as with any system, there are drawbacks. To keep the system operating, there is some maintenance involved such as fixing leaks, cleaning filters, flushing the system out with chlorine to prevent algae growth, and the never-ending fight with rodents which like to chew holes in the irrigation tape. SDI is also expensive, costing nearly $1,200 to $1,300 per acre to install. But according to Burr, the system pays for itself after a relatively brief period of time. "With the money we saved in pumping costs and fuel, our SDI system paid for itself within eight years. As far as maintenance goes, after having to change the oil or a tire on a pivot system, or deal with one after a wind storm, I would take fixing a few holes caused by ground squirrels any day. Since the system is underground, unless we experience a fairly significant earthquake, SDI is pretty bullet proof," Burr said. Burr hopes to see more SDI systems installed. He says they are especially good for odd-shaped fields, where the only option for irrigation is a gravity system. Burr also recognizes the potential for water conservation. "We are fortunate here to not have any pumping restrictions on irrigation water, but it feels good to conserve water. Before, my wells were pumping around 1,000 gallons per minute. Since installing my SDI systems I've converted my 90 horsepower wells to 30 horsepower that now pump 400 gallons per minute. It's a win-win for everyone," Burr said. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is currently accepting applications from landowners and operators interested in managing their irrigation water. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program is available statewide, and producers may apply for assistance at anytime at their local NRCS Service Center. There are several conservation programs available to provide assistance in improving the management of natural resources on private land. Producers interested in learning more may visit their local NRCS Service Center, or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. 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 |
|
