Smart practices. Sustainable solutions.

VOL. 2, ISSUE 2 | October 2017

Crop yield
studies
LEPA & close drop spacing,
subsurface drip & drip irrigation
Gothenburg Water Utilization
Learning Center

Recycling plastics
 The best show of
the year just keeps
growing.
Irrigation Show | Nov. 8 9
Education Conference | Nov. 6 10
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida

www.irrigationshow.org

A G R I C U LT U R E L A N D S C A P E G O L F
 VOL. 2, ISSUE 2 | October 2017

Contents
Crop yield studies
15 14 LEPA & close drop spacing
A historical look at how & why this technology was developed
16 Using daily evapotranspiration estimates to increase irrigation
efficiency with subsurface drip systems
18 Drip irrigation: When every drop counts
20 Monsanto Water Utilization Learning Center at
Gothenburg, Nebraska
Helping farmers improve crop production with less water

19
Recycling plastics
22 Recycling keeps irrigation plastics out of landfills

Other features
25 Principles of Efficient Agricultural Irrigation
IA releases document outlining efficient irrigation principles
26 IA participates in U.S.-hosted ISO meeting
20 36 2017 Irrigation Show & Education Conference
Dont miss everything offered at the worlds biggest and best
irrigation show!

Departments
4 Editorial message 12 Foundation news 33 Economy
6 From the CEO 28 Tech corner 34 International trends
9 IA happenings 31 Voices from the 38 Member insights
11 Legislative update industry 39 Weather outlook
23
Irrigation Today is published quarterly by the Irrigation Association, 8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 400,
Fairfax, VA 22031-4511 USA, Tel 703.536.7080, Fax 703.536.7019, info@irrigationtoday.org, www.irrigation.org.
The publisher grants free subscriptions to those who work in the agriculture industry, and all requests will be
reviewed for qualification. Those who do not qualify can subscribe by paying the one-year subscription fee of
$20 ($35/year international rate).
This is the official publication of the Irrigation Association and carries news and announcements
concerning the IA. The association and Irrigation Today are not responsible for content or
opinions other than those relating to association activities.
POSTMASTER
ISSN 2572-7834
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No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any 8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
28 form or by any means without permission in writing
from the Irrigation Association.
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irrigationtoday.org 3
 Editorial message
Opportunities in the
world of irrigation
By Stephen W. Smith, PhD, FASIC, CAIS, CLIA, Irrigation Association Editorial Board Chair

Someone once said, When in drought, plan for the next flood, and when in flood, plan
for the next drought. Human nature is such that when the climate event du jour has
passed, then we tend to move on and neglect to do the important strategizing and
planning that might be appropriate.
The most recent drought in California was catastrophic for all irrigators both landscape
and agriculture. Hurricane Harvey is in full swing as I write this editorial, and I am now
watching nightly news about the cleanup and rebuilding efforts in Texas, while Hurricane
Irma roars over the Atlantic with potential landfall over Florida.
I believe its important to think of the benefits of irrigation in mitigating, and recovering
from, all natural disasters. Clearly, worldwide crop production is enhanced greatly with
irrigation. Regardless of whether the natural disaster leaves us water short or water long,
irrigation gets us back on track with quality food production.
As you turn the pages of this issue, you will find interesting crop yield studies focusing on
three irrigation methods: drip, close-spacing/low energy precision application sprinkler
and subsurface drip. This issue also introduces our readers to the Gothenburg Water
Utilization Center, a little-known gem located in Gothenburg, Nebraska. I have had
the pleasure of touring this facility and it is impressive.
At least regionally, the Gothenburg Center is well known, and they invite growers from
the area to show off research results and demonstrate irrigation technologies. One of the
best ways to further technology transfer in agriculture is to bring farmers together for
discussion and comparison of successes.
We are just two months away from the 2017 Irrigation Show and Education Conference. As
we find our friends and peers in Orlando, lets look positively toward a future with ever-
increasing water-use efficiency and improved irrigation management. Irrigation is a very
important part of our collective future.

Representatives from the five universities involved in the formation and

funding efforts for the irrigation consortium recently met to discuss the
project: (from left) Brent Auvermann, PhD, Texas A&M University; David
Zoldoske, PhD, Fresno State University; Reagan Waskom, Colorado State
University; Stephen Smith, IA Board and FFAR Water Scarcity Advisory Board;
Christopher Neale, PhD, University of Nebraska, Water for Food Institute;
and Cathie Lavis, PhD, Kansas State University (not pictured).
Photo credit:
Stephen W. Smith

4 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017

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 From the CEO
Autumns bounty
By Deborah M. Hamlin, CAE, FASAE

In North America, autumn marks the transition from summer to winter. It also marks the
primary harvest, typically the most labor-intensive activity of the growing season.
At the Irrigation Association, we change seasons as well, and our autumn is very labor-
intensive. Not only do we continue promoting efficient irrigation through advocacy and
professional development, but we also organize the largest trade show dedicated to
irrigation. Last year in Las Vegas, over 5,000 people registered to attend the Irrigation Show
and Education Conference. As I write this column, our numbers for this year in Orlando
are the highest we have ever had this far out. We are on target to host 300 exhibiting
companies ready to show their latest technologies, along with a robust education
program of technical sessions, in-depth design classes and CAD learning labs dedicated to
agricultural irrigation.
If you are a grower who is considering installing or upgrading your irrigation system, this
event will show you everything new under the sun. Or if you are an irrigation manager
who wants to be better at scheduling or find out about the latest wireless technologies,
this is the place for you.
At the same time, our Irrigation Foundation uses this opportunity to host students and
faculty at the show, to expose them to all of the potential of this industry. Our hope is that
students become captivated by the opportunities within the irrigation profession and that
the teachers will promote careers in irrigation to our future workforce.
Like our grower partners, our hard work in the fall brings great bounty. The results of our
labor are better-educated irrigation managers, more informed decision-makers, a smarter
pool of future employees, and in the end, a more efficient use of water in irrigation.
If proper irrigation is key to your business success, consider joining us in Orlando,
November 6 10. You will be happy you did.
For information about the 2017 Irrigation Show and Education Conference, see pg. 36 37 or
visit www.irrigationshow.org.

We welcome your feedback. Please send letters to the editor or just let us know how we are
doing to Anne Blankenbiller at anneblankenbiller@irrigation.org. Wed love to hear from you.

IA Government and Public Affairs Director John Farner; Foundation for Food and
Agriculture ResearchExecutive Director Sally Rockey, PhD; and IA CEO Deborah
Hamlin meet in Washington, D.C., to discuss the irrigation consortium project.

6 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017

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info@irrigationtoday.org | www.irrigation.org
Editorial Staff
Deborah M. Hamlin, CAE, FASAE, CEO &
Publisher
Anne Blankenbiller, Editor-in-Chief
Trisha Klaus, Art Director
Brent Q. Mecham, CID, CLWM, CIC, CLIA, CAIS,
Technical Advisor
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Chair Stephen W. Smith, PhD, FASIC, CAIS,
CLIA, Principal, Wade Water LLC
Brian P. Frerich, CID, CEO, Eco-Drip Irrigation
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Charles Hillyer, Assistant Professor &
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 IA happenings

Successful Smart Irrigation Month Technical papers library

July 2017 was the IAs most successful Smart Irrigation Month yet. The IA recently made over 800 irrigation technical papers
The initiative kicked off with the first ever Irrigation Technology accessible on the website. These papers provide research,
Tuesday on July 11, highlighted by a live Twitter session and advancements and best practices presented during the
online Thunderclap campaign. Smart Irrigation Month messaging Irrigation Show and Education Conferences held over the last 15
continued throughout the month on social media, and the years. Access these papers at no charge at www.irrigation.org/
industry came together to promote the benefits of efficient technicalpapers.
irrigation to customers and the public. The response from state
and local government entities in the United States and Canada IA online learning opportunities
was powerful with 18 proclamations adopting July 2017 as Smart The IA offers affordable, relevant and on-demand education at
Irrigation Month. your fingertips through online learning opportunities. From basic
to advanced, access the best irrigation classes, seminars and
See you in Orlando! webinars and earn CEUs. For a listing of upcoming opportunities
The 2017 Irrigation Show and Education Conference in Orlando, and to sign up, visit www.irrigation.org/onlinelearning.
Florida, is only a month away. There is still time to register to attend
the Nov. 6 10 event and participate in educational offerings, Certification Board appoints new members
walk the trade show floor and connect with other irrigation Two new members have been appointed to the Certification
professionals in your field. To Board, an independent board that governs the IA certification
register or for more information, program. Bob Scott, CID, CLIA, CEO of Irrigation Consultant Services
go to www.irrigationshow.org; in Conyers, Georgia, and Thomas Rial, CID, sales and chief systems
additional information can be designer at Irrigation-Mart Inc. in Weslaco, Texas, bring their
found on pages 36 37. experience to this board that makes decisions regarding important
aspects of the certification program.
Download show app now
Are you looking for a way to keep Bringing Water to Life podcast series
track of event programs and Tune in each week to listen to the latest on
education classes being held at everything water brought to you by IA staff
the Irrigation Show and Education members. This podcast shares expertise and
Conference? Stay connected with personal perspectives on issues surrounding
the 2017 Irrigation Show mobile water, ranging from where water comes from
app! View, search, map, browse to taking a deep dive into state and federal
and tune into everything about programs around water. Access the weekly BWTL podcast
the show on your mobile device. through SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. For more
Search 2017 Irrigation Show on information, go to www.bwtlpodcast.com.
the Apple App Store or Google Play
to download this free mobile app. Connect with us
Connect with us through social media and the online show app
IA introduces first irrigation curriculum for the most up-to-date news and information and to meet and
for elementary schools network with other professionals.
Collaborating with Young Minds Inspired, the IA created its first
Twitter | @IrrigationAssoc
elementary school curriculum, taking elementary students in
grades three through five on a journey to learn about agriculture Facebook | www.facebook.com/IrrigationAssociation
and landscape irrigation. The curriculum was distributed to more
than 10,000 schools in four states: California, Florida, Nebraska and LinkedIn | Irrigation Association group
Texas. To download the free curriculum, go to http://ymiclassroom. YouTube | www.youtube.com/user/SmartIrrigationMonth
com/lesson-plans/irrigation/.
Upcoming event hashtags
#IrrigationShow
Get connected before and during the 2017 Irrigation Show and
Education Conference in Orlando, Florida, Nov. 6 10.

irrigationtoday.org 9
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Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., speaks to congressional staff
about the importance of irrigation to U.S. agriculture.
IA releases farm bill
priorities
As 2017 comes to a close, the Irrigation
Association continues to proactively
provide solutions to legislators for water
and agricultural issues through efficient
irrigation, research and sound policies. In
August, the IA released its 2018 Farm Bill
Priorities document (www.irrigation.org/
farmbillpriorities). Staff also traveled to
Boston to attend the National Conference
of State Legislatures from Aug. 6 9.
The associations activities around the farm
bill have been ongoing this year. At the
start of 2017, the IA created a Farm Bill Task
Force to develop priorities for the 2018 U.S.
Farm Bill. Every five years Congress must
reauthorize this piece of legislation that
shapes U.S. agriculture policies. In short,
the IA will advocate for voluntary programs
that support efficient irrigation, encourage
the adoption of other water-efficient
technologies, and recognize IA-certified
irrigation professionals.
Earlier this year, representatives from
IA member companies met with their
members of Congress to share details
about the industrys work innovating and
promoting technologies that apply water
more efficiently in agriculture. The IA is also
a member of the steering committee of
the Western Agriculture and Conservation
Coalition, which works to support the
common interests of agriculture and
conservation. The IA will continue to
Legislative update
promote efficient irrigation technologies
and work with coalition partners to ensure
a strong conservation title.
With farm bill conservation programs
under review, the IAs Farm Bill Priorities
document focuses on strengthening
the Environmental Quality Incentives
Program and the Regional Conservation
Partnership Program.
EQIP Priorities
EQIP priorities include
increasing funding for farmers within
EQIP.
adding improved water quality as a
national initiative of EQIP.
increasing investment in private sector
consulting services, including technical
service providers and irrigation district
staff.
updating water savings criteria to be
based on irrigated crop productivity (i.e.,
amount of crop produced per drop of
water used).
eliminating the 2/5 year rule.
allowing farmers to decide what
happens to the saved water, rather
than requiring water be returned to the
environment.
RCPP Priorities
RCPP priorities include
replacing the difficult alternative funding
arrangement contracting option with a
more flexible tool with a proven record
of accomplishment.
eliminating the unnecessary administra-
tive burden and complexity of fund
tracking.
streamlining RCPP applications.
ensuring an agriculture producer group
is included as a partner in each RCPP
proposal.
For more information about the farm bill,
visit www.irrigation.org/farmbill.
IA meets with state officials
On the state policy side, IA staff attended
NCSLs annual Legislative Summit for the
fifth time. NCSL is a bipartisan group
focused on providing state legislators with
the tools, information and resources to craft
the best solutions to difficult problems.
Each summer, thousands of legislators and
their staff members attend this event.
IA staff leveraged this annual conference
to provide legislators with information
regarding the benefits of irrigated
agriculture, as well as the importance of
efficient irrigation technologies, products
and services.
The next NCSL Legislative Summit will be
in Los Angeles, California, July 30 Aug.
2, 2018. IA staff are already planning how
to make the most of this conference. With
western states focused on water and water
use in agriculture, the IA has secured a
larger booth and will also be reaching out
to member companies to help promote
the irrigation industry with state legislators
at the 2018 event.
irrigationtoday.org 11
 Foundation news
Foundation names 2017 Excellence
in Education Award recipient
The Irrigation Foundation has named
Claire Ehrlinger, CIT, of MiraCosta College
the recipient of the 2017 Excellence in
Education Award. This award recognizes
a person who is actively teaching or
has taught agriculture or landscape
irrigation, water management and/or
water conservation in affiliation with a
two- or four-year institution. This person
helps supply the irrigation industry with
educated professionals who provide
efficient irrigation solutions that protect
water and the environment. Ehrlinger will
receive her award at the 2017 Irrigation
Show and Education Conference in
Orlando, Florida.
Ehrlinger is the horticulture lead instructor
at MiraCosta College in Oceanside,
California. She teaches many landscape and
irrigation courses and is also responsible for
managing all aspects of the department.
Ehrlinger is one of the Faculty Academys
success stories. She was first introduced
to irrigation at Faculty Academy in 2004.
Shortly thereafter, Ehrlinger began teaching Claire Ehrlinger, CIT, 2017 Excellence
irrigation at MiraCosta and has been in Education Award recipient
teaching and attending Faculty Academy
ever since. She is a lifetime technical According to Ehrlinger, her favorite part
member of the Irrigation Association where about teaching students irrigation is, when
she has served as an Irrigation Foundation their eyes light up to those aha moments
and they begin to understand how
Board of Trustee and has volunteered on
everything works together to save water
several committees, including the Faculty
and maintain healthy plants.
Academy planning task group. In recent
years, Ehrlinger has worked in cooperation This years award is sponsored by Hunter
with the San Diego County Water Industries Inc. To learn more about the
Authority to develop curriculum and train award, nominate an educator or see a
professionals and homeowners in water full list of previous winners, visit www.
conservation. irrigationfoundation.org.

2018 Scholarship Program

The Irrigation Foundation scholarship program is an awards program to promote the study of
and careers in the irrigation eld. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500 and provide
meaningful nancial support for the education of worthy scholarship candidates.

An online application with the students letter of intent, nancial need, reference letters, resume and
transcript will be the basis for the award. Visit irrigation.org/scholarships for the application link.

To meet the requirements for the scholarship program, students must

be currently enrolled (undergraduate or graduate) at a U.S. technical or vocational
school, community college, university or similar institution of higher learning.
be a U.S. citizen.
have taken or be currently enrolled in a class with irrigation-related curriculum.
have a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA, based on a 4.0 scale.
demonstrate nancial need.

Open: October 2, 2017 Deadline: February 15, 2018

Scholarships will be awarded by April 1, 2018.

For further information or if

you have questions, contact
info@irrigationfoundation.org.

12 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017

www.irrigation.org/scholarships
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CROP YIELD STUDIES
LEPA & close drop spacing
A historical look at how & why
this technology was developed
By Guy Fipps, PhD, PE

Close drop spacing is not a new concept the applicator close to the ground An early LEPA
but actually dates back to the 1970s. Its eliminated spray evaporative losses and applicator
fabricated from
hard to imagine what things were like back took advantage of the elevation change a plastic soft
then in many ways, including the science from the main line to the applicator to drink bottle
of irrigation. Center pivot water application reduce pressure requirements. With LEPA,
was dominated by high-pressure impacts operating pressures for pivots on level capture of rainfall and reduce runoff during
located on top of the pivot mainline, which ground could be reduced to as low as 6 psi, irrigation. Some of the first research that
were inefficient and had high energy with greatly improved efficiencies. Lyle and Bordovsky conducted was to
requirements. Lower pressure impacts determine if LEPA drops could be placed in
began to be used in the late 1970s, which The first LEPA applicators were fabricated every other row with equal effectiveness.
reduced operating pressures from 60 100 from a variety of materials on hand,
The table illustrates some of their results
psi to 30 45 psi. Also in the 1970s, the including a plastic soft drink bottle.
with little difference in yield compared to
United States experienced several energy Originally, they positioned a drop in every
every row. As a result, drops with spacing in
shocks, including an oil embargo by OPEC, row with furrow diking, which necessitated
every other row became established.
leading to gasoline shortages, long lines at planting in a circle. During that time, furrow
gas stations and even-odd day rationing diking was rapidly catching on in the Texas The other name synonymous with close
based on license plate number even in High Plains as a method to maximize the drop spacing and LEPA is Leon New,
oil rich Texas.
Growers who relied on groundwater Comparison of crop yields from five multiyear experiments using applicators
were being squeezed hard by energy of given spacings, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Halfway, Texas
costs for pumping, including those on Yield {lb/acre}
the High Plains of Texas. Two agricultural
% of base Overhead
engineers at the Texas A&M AgriLife Crop (location) LEPA: 40" LEPA: 80" LESA: 80"
irrigation spray: 240"
Research Center at Halfway (Bill Lyle, PE, applicator applicator applicator
applicator
and Jim Bordovsky) developed a simple spacing spacing spacing
spacing
idea to address the high energy use of
Corn grain 40 7,410 a 7,410 a*
pivots. While simple in concept, this idea
(Halfway) 70 9,110 b 9,820 a
resulted in a revolutionary center pivot 100 10,400 a 10,360 a
water application technology and farming 130 11,100 a 11,160 a
system, referred to as LEPA [low energy
precision application]. LEPA is one of the Sorghum grain 40 6,290 a 6,020 a
(Halfway) 70 6,790 a 6,620 a
best examples of a disruptive technology,
100 6,800 a 6,800 a
in that after its introduction, center pivot
130 6,630 a 6,850 a
irrigation was never the same again.
Soybean grain 100 2,460 2,110
To lower energy requirements and (Halfway)
improve water application efficiency, Cotton lint 50 700 a 570 b
goosenecks and drops were developed. (Halfway) 100 990 a 910 a
The drops were positioned close together,
and water was discharged at or near the Cotton lint 50 770 a 610 b
soil surface. Close drop spacing greatly (Lamesa) 75 980 a 825 b
100 1,030 a 970 a
improved the distribution efficiency or
uniformity of water application. Positioning * Yield means in same row followed by common letter are not significantly different (p < 0.05, Duncan).

14 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017


who had a long career as an extension
agricultural engineer with the Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension Service. New took the
research concept and worked to make it a
viable commercial system, leading to the
development of the first commercial LEPA
water applicator. Over the course of his
career, New conducted hundreds of on-
farm, side-by-side demonstrations of close
drop spacing and LEPA versus conventional
water application. These demonstrations
confirmed the research findings and lead
to the widespread adoption of the system
in the Texas High Plains.
My involvement with close drop spacing
began in 1990, with the first on-farm
evaluation of LEPA off the Texas High
Plains. These were conducted in the
Winter Garden area of Texas (south and
west of San Antonio), where conditions
are quite different from the High Plains.
The wells yield large volumes of water, and
growers can irrigate on demand. Sandy
soils reduced the concerns about runoff,
and furrow diking and planting in a circle
are seen as a disadvantage, particularly
when tropical systems dumped large
rainfall events on the region. It was from
these on-farm evaluations that the LESA
[low elevation spray application] concept
arose. Water was still discharged near
the soil surface, and drop spacing was
equal to every other row spacing. Simpler
water applicators could be used, with
operating pressures as low as 10 psi. Since
1980, Ive conducted numerous on-farm
comparisons of LESA versus over-canopy
irrigation, often with dramatic results.
Guy Fipps, PhD, PE, is a
professor and extension
agricultural engineer at
Texas A&M. Specializing
in irrigation technology,
water quality and water
management, Dr. Fipps
has devoted over 25 years to
improving irrigation efficiency, developing
new technologies and promoting
managing water use more efficiently.
His accomplishments are numerous,
including begin chosen as the IAs
Person of the Year in 2015 and the ASABE
Professional Engineer of the Year in 2014.
LEPAcase studies
The following two case studies provide information from growers in Nevada and Kansas
outlining their experiences using LEPA systems on alfalfa and corn.
Alfalfa
Triple D Ranch is in the high valley of Dyer, Nevada. The climate is windy with little
to no rainfall and very low humidity. Declining water tables, increasing pumping
costs, as well as wind and evaporation loss led John Maurer, the farm manager, to
investigate ways to reduce water use and still retain successful yield levels.
Mauer read an article about close spacing LEPA in a farming magazine. Then, seeing
those actual products displayed at a farm show prompted more in-depth research.
Securing and testing product samples, they selected a sprinkler with a shroud and
a LEPA bubble insert. They kept traditional sprinklers on the first two spans and
switched to LEPA bubblers on the outer spans at about 8 16 inches off the ground.
With the windy conditions in the
valley, it was evident that the LEPA
bubblers were simply not misting like
traditional sprinkler systems. Water
typically lost to evaporation and wind
drift was saved, Maurer said. Probes
validated water was penetrating
deeper to the root zone. When
checking the yield beneath the LEPA
bubblers, Maurer saw an increase in
production and decided to expand
this type of installation converting
Cllos
C o e sp
paaccin
ng o
onn alffal
alfaa in Dy
Dyer
yer
er, N
Neevaada
as many machines as possible, even
between cuttings.
Corn
Bob Holloways farm is in a low gallonage area of Kansas, south of Colby and west
of Mingo. He irrigates with well water fed from the Ogallala Aquifer. Due to water
availability, most farms in this area are only able to farm in half fields growing half
circles of wheat and corn on a 120-acre field.
Holloways dealer in Colby, Kansas, helped him modify his irrigation installation
converting to close spacing sprinklers with shrouds and bubbler pads. With a field
slope of about 0.5 percent, he mounted the bubblers at about 8 18 inches off the
ground. I found that the LEPA bubbler system allowed us to apply the water we
have available in a more productive way. The water that is being applied is resulting
in less wind drift and more subsoil moisture.
Recognizing there are various
factors impacting the season-
end yield results on a farm,
Holloway feels the change
to his irrigation setup has
contributed to the success he
is seeing. He has been able to
farm 50 percent more corn (a
total of 120 acres) with just 250
300 gpm.
LEPA
LEPA bub
ubbl
bbbller
er syysste
tem
em o
onn cor
orn sout
so
outth off Co
ollby,
byy Ka
Kans
ans
nsas
a
Photo credit: Senninger
irrigationtoday.org 15
CROP YIELD STUDIES
Using daily evapotranspiration estimates
to increase irrigation efciency with
subsurface drip systems
By Randy Norton, PhD
In the arid regions of the desert Southwest,
water is by far the most limiting resource
for crop production systems. As such,
it is an extremely valuable resource to
producers, and incentives to conserve
and utilize it with utmost efficiency are
of paramount importance. Irrigation and
crop production systems in the desert
Southwest have evolved to include
techniques that conserve water resources
and improve irrigation efficiencies. Some of
these adaptations include higher efficiency
delivery systems such as subsurface drip
irrigation [SDI].
Daily ET
These systems have increased efficiencies
with respect to delivery of irrigation water
to the field and have allowed growers to
more precisely manage crop water status
by supplying more closely the amount
of water the crop requires and when it is
required. Crop water use can be estimated
on a daily basis by utilizing reference
evapotranspiration [ETo] data that can be
obtained from weather monitoring systems
maintained by universities or government
agencies. An example of daily reference ETo
for the low deserts of Arizona is shown in
figure 1. Arizona desert ETo ranges from a
low of 0.075 inches daily to just under 0.40
inches.
Knowing the reference ET is important,
but it does not tell how the crop will use
water based upon growth stage. The other
component to estimating crop water use
is a well-validated crop coefficient curve.
A crop coefficient [Kc] is a factor used to
adjust the ETo value to account for crop
water use at different stages of growth. Crop
coefficients depend on stage of growth
and are typically presented as a function of
time. The Kc developed for Arizona cotton
16 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017
is presented as a function of heat units [HU, average April 10 planting would be June
thermal time], which is correlated to various 22. The average ETo for that date is 0.25
stages of crop development (see fig. 2). Crop inches. Take the ETo (0.25) and multiply it
coefficients have been developed for many by the Kc (1.2), which results in 0.30 inches
crops, but for the purposes of this article the of crop water use that day. This data can
crop coefficient developed in Arizona for then be used to estimate irrigation needs
cotton will be used. and timing based upon estimates of water-
holding capacity of the soil.
Utilizing both ETo and Kc for a given day or
other period of time, one can effectively System efficiencies
determine the crop water use with the
Once the amount of crop water use is
following equation, where ETa is the actual determined, it is important to consider the
crop water use on that particular day: other factors that influence the amount of
ETa = K C
ETo water needed to achieve that replacement.
Irrigation system efficiencies need to
Figure 3 shows the progression of crop be considered when determining total
water use [ETa] as a function of HU amount of water to be applied to meet
accumulated after planting [HUAP]. Also crop demand. If a high-efficiency SDI
shown on this figure is the cumulative ETa system is being used, irrigation efficiency
as a function of HUAP. As an example, at may be close to 90 percent, meaning an
peak bloom the crop coefficient for cotton additional 10 percent of applied water is
is 1.2 (see fig. 2). The average date that needed to meet crop demand. Irrigation
the crop will reach peak bloom given an with SDI allows a producer to replace daily
0.45
0.40
Average daily evapotranspiration {in.}
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec 1-Jan
Figure
Fi re 1. Avver
erag
ag
ge ET
ETo rat
ates
es in
n iin
nch
ches
es of wa
waate
ter
te
er as
as a fun
unct
c io
i no
off day
ay of ye
year
a fo
orr thee low des
eser
ertttss of Ar
Arizzon
ona
crop use withdrawals from the system. This 1.2
technique allows for minimization of crop
stress due to over- or underwatering the
crop. 1.0

Range for crop cut-out (cessation of flowering)

First square (initiation of fruiting)
Leaching 0.8

Crop coefficient [Kc ]

First bloom
In the arid Southwest, salinity manage-

Peak bloom
ment is another critical factor to consider
due to the potential of salt buildup in the 0.6
soil to the level of negatively impacting
crop growth and development. A leaching 0.4
requirement should always be employed,
which is simply a percentage increase in
applied irrigation water to effectively man- 0.2
age salts in the soil profile. This leaching
requirement is based upon the salinity of
the irrigation water being applied and the 0.0
500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000
salinity of the soil at which less than 100
percent yield potential may be realized, and Heat units accumulated after planting [HUAP]
it is calculated using the following equation:
F gure
Fi re 2. C
Crrop
op coe
oeffi
fficcie
ffi ientt cu
urr ve forr cototto
ton gr
g ow
own in n the
h des eser
er ts of Ar
erts Ariz
izon
onaa al
a on
ong wi
with
th
EC w repr
repreesseen
pre nta
tati
tive
ivvee phehen
eno
nolol ggiiccaal gr
gro
ow
w th sta
t ge
ges ofof cottto
ton booth
th as a fu
funnccti
tioon of
on
LR =
5(ECe )
EC w heat
eat uninittss accum
ccum
cc umululat
lated
d aft
f ter plaant
ntin
ing
ng [H
HUA
UAP]P]

In this equation, ECw is the salinity of the

irrigation water expressed as deciSiemens 0.40 0.40
per meter {dS/m}, and ECe is the maximum
soil salinity tolerated by the crop or the 0.35 0.35
First square (initiation of fruiting)

salinity at which point the potential yield

Range for crop cut-out (cessation of flowering)

drops below 100 percent (or whatever 0.30 0.30
Crop water use [ETa] {in./day}

Cumulative water use {in.}

potential yield loss the producer is willing
First bloom

to tolerate). The following equation is 0.25 0.25

employed to then determine the amount
Peak bloom

of water needed, represented as applied 0.20 0.20

water [AW]:
ETa 0.15 0.15
AW =
1
LR 0.10 0.10
Management of the incredibly precious
resource of water in the desert is critical 0.05 0.05
to sustaining the farming operations
in the western United States. Using ETa 0.00 0.00
replacement estimates to efficiently 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000
operate SDI systems while also effectively Heat units accumulated after planting [HUAP]
managing for salinity is just one technique
producers can employ to better manage Fig
Fi gure 3. Ac
gu Actu
tual
al cro
ropp wateer u
usse [E
[ETTa] an
a d cu
cumu mulalaatiive
ve cro
op ET
ETa as a fu unc
n ti
tion
onn of he
heat
at unniitss accccumul
umulat ateed
at ed
their irrigation systems. Advances in aaff te
ter pl
p an
nti
ting
ng [HU
HUAP
AP] fo
or a rep
reepr
preessen
enta
tati
tive
ti vee pla
lant
ntining
g da
date of Ap
priril 10
10 in tth
he lo
he low deeseerrtttss of
low of Aririzo
zo
zona
ona
irrigation technologies and management
strategies, along with advances in crop
production technologies, will also go Elbert R. Norton, PhD, (Randy) is an associate regional extension specialist
a long way in helping to effectively with the University of Arizona and also serves as the resident director of
conserve this resource. As producers the Safford Agricultural Center. His focus is primarily centered around
learn to implement these advances in improving the efficiency of desert agricultural systems through a
broad research and extension program directed at solving production
technology, they will become more challenges faced by growers across the state of Arizona.
effective in producing environmentally and
economically sustainable crops.

irrigationtoday.org 17
CROP YIELD STUDIES
Drip irrigation: When every drop counts
By Kris Nightengale, MBA, CID
Benjamin Franklin famously wrote, When
the well is dry, we will know the worth of
water.
Businesses thrive making good decisions
about the bottom line. Farmers benefit
taking the long-term view, as significant
value is accumulated in land. The past 30
years have demonstrated how valuable
water is both in current cash flow and,
subsequently, in land value.
To demonstrate how some growers are
managing water, the following tells the
story of two different farms. The first
produces high-value specialty crops in a
region relatively unconstrained by water.
The other grows commodity crops in a
region where no amount of money can
create the water that isnt there. Both
farms have vastly improved their bottom
lines and future values by investing in drip
irrigation.
Rows of yellow summer squash on the Ruhlig farm in Carleton, Michigan
18 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017
Specialty produce
Jason Ruhlig was raised on the family farm
growing specialty produce just outside of
Detroit in Carleton, Michigan. Today Ruhlig
manages an operation that grows over 35
types of produce ranging from bok choy to
zucchini squash. The crops may be worth
more at market, but the cost of production
and spoilage risk mean every dollar spent
adds considerable risk.
Ruhlig Farms chose to invest in drip
irrigation 18 years ago to manage labor
and crop results more than water use. Drip
irrigation was easy to customize to the vast
variety of crops, which are typically planted
in blocks of less than 10 acres to manage
timing harvest with demand.
We used 40 percent less labor in our
automated drip systems than we did using
our previous systems, Ruhlig recalled. With
the drip installed under plastic film, no
water is lost due to evaporation. Ruhlig said
they manage water in the soil much more
effectively being able to irrigate both day
and night with no added disease pressure.
Ruhligs decision to go to drip was all about
the return on investment. People are
always looking for yield. In produce there
is much more to it. For us, the amount of
USDA grade no. 1 and larger fruit impacted
our results the most! And, our customers
got product with a longer shelf life, he
said. In total, Ruhlig estimates they have
improved the value of their crops through
quality by 30 40 percent using drip
irrigation.
Commodity crop
So, how does drip irrigation make sense as
a capital cost worth nearly the value of the
land for a commodity crop?
Jeffrey Kitten is one of four brothers
who share in the management duties of
the Kitten Land Company southeast of
Lubbock in Slaton, Texas. The brothers are
managing an expansive operation with
5,800 irrigated acres, 3,800 acres of which
are irrigated in permanent subsurface drip
systems primarily producing cotton. The
systems are referred to as permanent
because growers are managing them with
the intention of exceeding 35 years of use
before any major components require
replacement. Water is in short supply
on the southern reaches of the Ogallala
Aquifer in West Texas, and subsurface drip
is now being used on over 400,000 acres
in the region. However, in 1993 when the
Kittens put in their first system, very few
growers considered drip a serious option.
Kitten recalls how they were still furrow
irrigating much of their land when their
well water production dropped enough
that they could not get water to the end
of many rows. It was clear the water wells
werent going to improve, so better options
had to be found. We wanted to grow an
 Kitten Farms cotton fields with
row lengths of over 3,000 feet
even, uniform crop, says Kitten. We had
talked to Hubert Frerich and knew drip
would work.
Hubert Frerich is well-known on the High
Plains as the founder of Eco-Drip and the
father of the permanent subsurface drip
approach he pioneered in the early 1980s.
When asked how the Kittens made the
decision to adopt drip technology so far
,UULJDWHHIFLHQWO\DQGSURWHFW\RXULUULJDWLRQ
equipment with a Hitachi variable speed drive.
Flexible User Friendly
ahead of the curve, he chuckled and said
You arent supposed to worry just go
for it!
Kitten has found drip results to be
consistent over the past 24 years. They
improved on their flood yields by 50
percent early on as they adopted new
systems. He attributes the yield benefit
to the uniformity of the crop from drip
irrigation.
The capital investment in drip for
commodity crops, as well as the
extensive infrastructure, is often
noted as a detractor to drip irrigation.
Kitten said they just havent found the
detractors to be negative influences.
I love drip from a labor standpoint
and for its quality and return. We
want the water we pump to make
as much revenue as possible, with
nothing wasted.
Reliable
Hitachi Industrial Equipment
Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
Hitachi America, Ltd.
Plains farmers know that water is a
diminishing resource, and they understand
the impact the lack of water has on their
lands marketable value. The Kittens are
looking to maximize the return they can
get on the water they pump today as
well as extending the farmable life of the
resource. We need to do as much as we
can with as little water as needed.
Kris Nightengale, MBA,
CID, is the vice president
of sales and marketing
for Jain Irrigation Inc.
and has been working
in leadership, sales
and technical roles in
irrigation manufacturing,
distribution and construction
since 2002. He has served on various IA
committees and currently chairs the IA
Public Affairs Committee.
Learn More
www.hitachi-america.us/inverters/
inverterinfo@hal.hitachi.com
irrigationtoday.org 19
CROP YIELD STUDIES
Monsanto Water Utilization
Learning Center at
Gothenburg, Nebraska
Helping farmers improve crop production
with less water
By Cheryl Ann Martin, MS
The Monsanto Water Utilization Learning
Center at Gothenburg, Nebraska, is helping
to improve crop production in an era
where water shortages often present the
biggest challenge to farmers. Research at
the Learning Center is primarily focused
around cultural practices, new genetics
and technologies to improve corn, soybean
and wheat yields in dryland and limited
water environments. Every year the
Learning Center conducts over 90 research
and demonstration trials evaluating crops
responses to different planting populations
and row spacing, irrigation regimes,
tillage and residue management, weed
management, and stress management
including drought, insects and diseases
common to the High Plains. Visitors
are welcomed and encouraged to tour
the facilities and research plots, take
educational courses and interact with the
Learning Center team and other farmers.
The facility
Located in west central Nebraska with
an average annual rainfall of only 23
inches, the 324-acre research farm is
ideal for studying drought stress in crops
and strategies for improving water-use
efficiency in agriculture. The Learning
Center includes 159 acres under lateral
move irrigation, with 86 of those acres
equipped with variable rate technology
20 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017
Aerial view of the research farm
and 22 acres with subsurface drip irrigation. The use of drought-tolerant genetics is
The location also has a 1/3-acre rainout an integral part of all water management
shelter. The rainout shelter is a movable strategies. A large part of the research at
building that can be moved over a crop the Learning Center is devoted to testing
during a rain event and then retracted seed products to help better place them in
farmers fields according to their irrigation
again. This capability allows the Learning
capacity and management practices.
Center to design studies that limit rainfall Each season, numerous commercial and
at specific growth stages and/or to control pre-commercial corn, soybean and wheat
the total amount of water the crop receives products with different conventional
in a growing season in order to test how genetics and biotech traits are tested for
different levels of water stress and different their responses to water stress and other
timings of water stress affect yield in management practices. For example,
natural field conditions. annual trials evaluate the optimal plant
Rainout shelter
Research focus
Helping farmers achieve their yield and
productivity goals while improving
water utilization is fundamental to the
Learning Centers research program. As
water allocations and limited well capacity
become more and more commonplace
in the Great Plains, farmers need more
options to remain profitable. Many of the
research trials focus on getting the most
out of water in limited water situations.
For example, by testing a crops response
to water stress at different growth stages,
researchers can determine when water
stress has the greatest impact on yield. This
allows them to determine when irrigation
applications can be withheld without
sacrificing yield and when water is critical
for yield.
population and row spacing for individual
products to maximize yield potential in
limited water situations.
As the complexity of agriculture
continues to increase and evolve, we are
studying how to fit all the components
of agronomic systems together to
improve farmers outcomes, said Brian
Olson, who has been the manager of the
Learning Center since 2013. This integrated
approach to crop production involves
the use of superior genetics with the
appropriate traits for the growing region
(such as drought tolerance and Gosss
wilt tolerance) planted at rates optimized
for each fields specific characteristics.
Farmers are encouraged to use a precision
approach with other agronomic decisions,
such as variable rate fertilizer and irrigation
applications. Olson is excited about the
studies evaluating if corn products respond
differently to various irrigation or nitrogen
management strategies. This type of
research will allow for better placement
and management of these products on
farmers fields.
What to see on a visit
Better management of resources, such
as water and fertilizer, is becoming more
achievable with the growth in data
analytics technologies. These software
platforms allow farmers to integrate stalk rot identification and management
weather, soil and field data collected strategies. Tours include demonstrations
throughout the season and in previous of variable rate irrigation, seeding and
seasons into meaningful yield and fertility equipment, and soil moisture
productivity maps. monitoring equipment. Farmers can also
get hands-on experience with the latest in
The Gothenburg Learning Center is a agriculture management software.
great place to see the latest technology
that will move crop production forward. To schedule a tour, please call 308.537.4500.
This facility and the research conducted Visit the Gothenburg Learning Center
here has been established with the farmer online at https://monsanto.com/products/
in mind, Olson said. On a tour, visitors learning-centers/gothenburg-learning-
can view the latest innovative commercial center/ for more information and to access
traits for insect, weed and drought the latest 2016 demonstration summary.
management and learn about corn
rootworm, Gosss wilt, gray leaf spot and Photo credit: Monsanto
Cheryl Ann Martin, MS, works for Monsantos Knowledge
Transfer team as a technical writer and editor helping
to support farmers and scientists with research-based
agronomic information, and she primarily supports the
Nebraska region. Cheryl holds a masters degree in crop
science and previously worked as a researcher in both
conventional and biotech plant breeding programs.
Come visit us at the Irrigation Show, Booth #301
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irrigationtoday.org 21
Recycling plastics

Recycling keeps irrigation plastics out of landfills

Grapple-hook trucks make field prep easy for the farmer and pickup turnaround time fast. Photo credit: The Toro Company

For decades, irrigation has helped farmers The state-of-the-art equipment and UL environmental certification. As a result,
produce higher yields of better quality logistical support of the service further spent ag plastics are always wanted and are
using fewer resources. But at the end of its simplifies recycling for farmers. The fleet of never turned away due to the fluctuating
lifecycle, many irrigation plastics need to be nimble grapple-hook trucks enables field international PCR prices that traditional
recycled. Until recently, most recycled drip access so that farmers can make multiple recyclers/waste haulers are dependent
tapes, polytube and driplines were placed piles in-field rather than trying to self- upon. In addition, local jobs are created,
in landfills, shipped elsewhere or buried on transport plastic to one big pile. Thus, field the need for virgin resins is reduced, and a
farms. Farmers pay upwards of hundreds prep is made easy, and pickup turnaround sustainable business model is created.
of dollars an acre for disposal in landfills, time is fast.
an increasingly unsustainable alternative. In one company alone, each year over
Clearly a better solution was needed. Once at the recycling facility, the plastic 150 million pounds of material is recycled
is processed into post-consumer resin through its operations in Arkansas,
Recycling programs such as those offered [PCR] to produce trash can liners and other Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and parts
by Toro Micro-Irrigation and Delta Plastics agricultural and construction sheeting of Texas. In addition to polytubing,
have been positively impacting the products that are certified as ECOLOGO, a other agriculture plastics are recycled
environment by collecting and recycling
used irrigation tubing.
In one recycling service, the Ag Plastic
Pickup mobile app offers ridesharing for
ag plastic. Farmers use the mobile app
to conveniently schedule their plastic
pickup service in a few easy steps. They
simply upload a photo of the plastic to be
recycled, drop a pin on the location and
then press submit to schedule a pickup
time. Its really that simple. Farmers also
have the option to order pickups by phone
or email as well. Irrigation plastics are recycled into plastic resin pellets. WW

22 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017

 Farmers need to realize
that their waste irrigation
plastics are a resource and are
sought after by the recycling
community.If they can source
separate irrigation tape and
tubing from other ag plastics,
they will increase the value of
their plastic and actually get
paid for it.
Gene Jones, executive director,
Southern Waste Information
eXchange Inc., and founder,
Agricultural Plastics Recycling
Conference and Trade
Show, recently held in San Diego,
California, Aug. 23 25, 2017

Used drip tape is piled and ready for recycling. Photo credit: The Toro Company

including drip tape, mulch film, silage bags,

greenhouse film and grain covers. The
company also recycles cow silage plastic
in Wisconsin through a 4,000-dumpster
collection process. In 2014, the recycling
program surpassed the one billion pounds
of waste material recycled milestone.
Today, the company has recycled over 1.5
billion pounds of material.
A plastics recycling program is an important
part of a mission to preserve the farmland.
The used polytubing would otherwise
be dumped in landfills, burned, buried or
stacked in unsightly piles on the farm.
The success of these types of recycling
programs comes through a strong
partnership with growers willing to
remove this plastic and recycle it into
useful products used across the country.
Partnering with growers and industry
leaders to protect our environment is
crucial for the future of farming and the
irrigation industry.
The Toro Drip Irrigation Recycling Service
was recognized at the 2016 Irrigation Show
and Education Conference as winner of
the 2016 New Product Contest in specialty
agriculture.
Additional information about
agricultural plastics recycling is
available through the Recycling
Agricultural Plastics Program at
www.recycleagplastics.css.cals.
cornell.edu/agplastics-2.htm
RAPP is a program created by
the Cornell University Waste
Management Institute in Ithaca,
New York. The site provides
educational resources and
information about recycling
agriculture plastics, including
Grapple-hook trucks pick up used polytubing irrigation plastic materials.
that is rolled and ready for recycling. Photo
credit: Delta Plastics
Inge Bisconer, CID, CLIA, is the technical marketing
and sales manager for Toro Micro-Irrigation in El
Cajon, California. She is a long-time supporter of
the IA and was honored with the 2016 IA Industry
Achievement Award for her contributions to the
development of the irrigation industry.
Dhu Thompson is the owner and chairman of Delta
Plastics. He is also the founder and chairman of
Revolution Bag and U.S. Irrigation. Thompson possesses
a constant drive to help preserve our countrys natural
resources and currently serves as chairman of the Board
of Trustees for The Nature Conservancy.

irrigationtoday.org 23
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24 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017
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Principles of Efcient Agricultural Irrigation
IA releases document
outlining efcient
irrigation principles
By Elizabeth McCartney
The Irrigation Association takes its mission
of promoting efficient irrigation seriously
and is continually developing ways to
provide valuable information to those in
the industry. Whether it is information and
research about new irrigation technologies
or best practices designed to improve
water-use efficiency, the IA prioritizes
providing information to growers and
producers as they work to irrigate more
efficiently.
With this segment of the industry in mind,
the IA recently released a new document
called Principles of Efficient Agricultural
Irrigation. The document outlines nine key
principles that growers should follow to
most efficiently use water when irrigating.
Why create this document?
Efficient agricultural irrigation needs to
play a more dominant role as our world
changes. Its impact reaches beyond
controlling a farmers costs to a more
global and long-term purpose.
As the world population continues to grow,
irrigated agriculture will be an increasingly
important contributor to meeting
demands for food, feed, fuel and fiber.
Meeting this demand must be balanced
with the available water supply needed
for human well-being and protecting
the environment. Efficient irrigation is
an integral part of meeting these future
challenges.
Irrigated agriculture is incredibly efficient,
producing about half of the total value
of crop sales while comprising only 17
percent of U.S. cropland. However, irrigated
agriculture also represents the largest share
of consumptive water use in the nation.
Balancing the value of irrigated agriculture
with the need to be more conscious of
water use is the driving force behind
efficient agricultural irrigation and a
primary reason the IA has created these Taking the message
principles.
to the Hill
Nine key concepts Recently, the IA debuted this new
document on Capitol Hill. IA Industry
The Principles of Efficient Agricultural
Development Director Brent Mecham, CID,
Irrigation provides information about
CLWM, CIC, CLIA, CAIS, had the opportunity
various methods of irrigation, irrigation
to speak about the Principles of Efficient
scheduling and the makeup of irrigated
Agricultural Irrigation at a congressional
agriculture in the United States. The
briefing hosted by the U.S. Geological
following ideas are the nine key concepts
Survey.
identified for growers and producers to
follow to attain the most efficient use of During his presentation, Mecham discussed
water: the role of science in irrigation and how
1. Use qualified professionals to plan and developments in science and irrigation
help manage irrigation systems. technology provide growers the tools
2. Know and protect the water supply and necessary to put efficient irrigation into
the environment. practice. He highlighted the new Principles
of Efficient Agricultural Irrigation as an
3. Identify the soil type and its soil water
example of the potential for technology
characteristics to manage the water
use in agriculture.
supply.
4. Understand crop water needs to know
The IA hopes growers, producers and
when and how much water should be
other irrigation professionals will find this
applied.
document useful and put its concepts
5. Select appropriate irrigation methods into practice to irrigate more efficiently.
that will efficiently deliver water to the The Principles of Efficient Agricultural
crop. Irrigation full document and a summary
6. Plan and implement irrigation are available at no cost and can be
scheduling to use water efficiently. downloaded from the IA website at
7. Adopt and apply innovative technology www.irrigation.org/peai.
to improve water management.
8. Maintain accurate records to facilitate
better decisions on crop inputs.
9. Anticipate water shortages and have Elizabeth McCartney is
planned strategies to respond. the senior policy and
advocacy manager
at the Irrigation
Details and explanations about each Association.
of these principles are provided in the
document, as well as examples and ideas
for implementation.
irrigationtoday.org 25
 IA participates in U.S.-hosted ISO meeting
By Brent Q. Mecham, CID, CLWM, CIC, CLIA, CAIS
The International Standards Organization
is an independent, nongovernmental
international organization that develops
requirements, specifications or guidelines
to ensure that materials, products,
processes and services are fit for their
service. Each year the ISO brings together
experts to share knowledge and develop
these voluntary, consensus-based, market-
relevant international standards that
support innovation and provide solutions
to global challenges in areas ranging from
food safety to medical devices to irrigation.
The 2017 meeting of the ISO Technical
Committee 23/SC18 Irrigation Equipment
was hosted by the United States and held in
June in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Irrigation
Association has been actively involved with
standards development for many years
and participated in this meeting as part
of the U.S. delegation. Six other countries
participated in the event, including
delegations from Spain, France, Israel,
Canada, India and, for the first time, China.
The ISO standards process involves work
by various groups on different aspects
of irrigation equipment. During the 2017
meeting, there was considerable interest
in the work done by the group that
focused on remote monitoring and control
technologies because of the implications
26 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017
it has for manufacturers and the differing
approaches various countries have related
to that technology.
The United States and Spanish delegations
have led the way in standards develop-
ment of big data in irrigated agriculture,
which generally encompasses the internet
of things, SCADA, and irrigation control
and management systems.
A standard is currently being developed
through the ASABE initiated by AgGateway
(a nonprofit consortium of 230+ ag
businesses) and its precision ag irrigation
language project known as PAIL.
U.S. delegation representatives Charles
Hillyer, PhD, and R. Andres Ferreyra,
PhD, provided expertise to harmonize
an international standard with these
U.S. standards initiatives. The intent is to
provide a common set of data standards
for various parts of an irrigation control
system, including a variety of sensors into
an industry-wide format that can be used
by third-party irrigation data analysis and
prescription programs.
Other standards being developed include
testing for clogging of drip emitters,
measuring the performance of landscape
irrigation sprinklers and standards for
testing facilities.
Photo credit: Stephen W. Smith, PhD, FASIC, CAIS, CLIA
The results of the work done by the ISO are
important to the industry, and past work
of the committee includes developing and
vetting standards on numerous types of
irrigation equipment.
In addition to myself and Drs. Hillyer (Texas
A&M) and Ferreyra (Ag Connections), U.S.
participants in the weeklong standards
meetings included Stephen W. Smith,
PhD, FASIC, CAIS, CLIA, from Wade Water
LLC; Diganta Adhikari, PhD, from Irrometer
Company Inc.; Bob Beccard, PE, from Aqua
Engineering; John McHugh, PE, CID, CLIA,
from Jain Irrigation; and Jean Walsh from
the American Society of Agricultural and
Biological Engineers.
Next years meeting will take place in Israel
in late October. Those interested in getting
more involved in ISO activities should
contact Jean Walsh, ASABE standards
administrator, at walsh@asabe.org.
Brent Q. Mecham, CID,
CLWM, CIC, CLIA,
CAIS, is the industry
development director
for the Irrigation
Association.
Want to learn more about PAIL?
See orange box on page 27.
 Even mother nature needs a hand sometimes.

Brought to you by irrigated agriculture.

Come hear ISO U.S. delegation members

provide a PAIL project update during
the 2017 Irrigation Show and Education
Conference.

From ood to managed ow:

Simplifying the exchange
of irrigation data
Thursday, Nov. 9, 3:30 p.m.,
after the IA Pitchers Mound
in the Back Stage area
Time and effort remain key barriers to
grower adoption of precision irrigation
practices. Come see how a new data
exchange standard removes the
complexity of sharing data and saving
vendors and growers time and effort,
while improving irrigation efficiencies.
Simplifying data exchange from field to
farm management information systems
yields faster and more principled
irrigation decisions.
For more information about
PAIL, visit www.aggateway.org/
eConnectivityActivities/Implementation/
PrecisionAgIrrigationLanguage(PAIL).aspx.

irrigationtoday.org 27
 Tech corner
Perspective from an ag tech venture capital rm:
Seven advancements in irrigation sensor
technologies
By Arama Kukutai
Irrigation sensor technologies are hardly
new but the last few years have seen
an incredible surge in internet-enabled
technologies offering greater analytics,
automation, convenience and value, which
warrant a fresh look. Over 700 digital ag
companies have been founded in this
latest wave of innovation, according to
ag tech venture capital firm Finistere
Ventures LLC and PitchBook data, yet
in-ground sensors represent an incredibly
small percentage of this group. As farmers
increasingly seek out tools to help them
influence productivity, sensor technologies
that help them understand moisture and
other important factors below the soil
must play a larger role.
Finistere estimates that only five percent
of arable acres across U.S. farms leverage
irrigation sensors today, with many farmers
pointing to cost constraints, functionality
28 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017
and ease-of-use challenges as primary
barriers. Yet, you cannot manage what you
cannot measure. Forward-thinking farmers
realize this and are starting to embrace soil
sensor innovations.
What is changing? There are seven
developments that will drive on-farm
deployment of sensors in the years ahead:
1. Software advancements, including
predictive analytics and learning
applications, are enabling farmers to
more easily harness big data coming
from networks of soil sensors and utilize
it in practical ways.
2. A push for stronger integration
with other data sources and internet-
connected technology, such as weather
and soil salinity tracking tools, has
begun to help farmers see the bigger
picture.
3. The surge in connectivity to the web
via low-cost mobile data and short-
message service, along with the cost
curve of sensor technologies, is driving
down costs.
4. Automation and laborsaving
aids such as smartphone apps that
automate irrigation are beginning
to emerge, especially for pressurized
irrigation systems like sprinkler/pivot
and drip/subsurface drip.
5. Simpler interfaces and dashboards
for smartphones and tablets are
making the shift to technology less
daunting for farmers trying to make
sense of the agronomic decision-
making spectrum.
6. Innovations in self-installation are
empowering untrained farm staff to
quickly and easily deploy sensors.
Photo credit: CropX
7. Other technology approaches,
particularly near infrared and multi-
spectral imagery, offer alternatives to
in- or on-the-ground solutions. Though
they are not silver bullets, they will
play an increasingly important role in
helping farmers make sense of the soil
and other environmental factors.
Making decisions about the most efficient
application of water, fertilizer and crop
protection chemicals requires information
from a variety of sources. This checks-and-
balances approach matches application
with need and maximizes application
uniformity to improve both quality and
yield, while minimizing costs and risk.
For example, satellite and aerial imaging,
as well as ground-based sensors of
fertilizer, light, temperature, humidity and
precipitation all combined with walking
the field create a holistic view of field
activity that enables predictive analysis and
intelligent action.
So, where are these advancements coming
from? Israel has been a strong source of
sensor innovation from both historic
industry leaders and current players,
including a company developing an
inexpensive, field-based sensor platform
that is user friendly, simple to deploy and
complements daily farming practices. New
Zealand and Australia have also produced
several innovative enterprises that have
been incorporated into companies like
CropX and Observant (acquired by Jain).
The United States, home of the largest farm
economy, remains the target for startups
such as AquaSpy, Hortau and Phytech.
However, many young companies focus
first on high-value crops (grapes, tree nuts
and vegetables), then reduce prices as
volume increases to penetrate the larger
commodity crop market. Yet the high-
touch support demanded by high-value
crop farmers is difficult to scale without the
use of automation and sensor technology.
Companies focused on commodity
crops, such as Farmers Business Network,
FarmLogs and Taranis, can also benefit
from sensor data to enhance existing data
modeling technology.
All farmers will increasingly need an
integrated range of tools that help them
make sense of soil and environmental
factors. While there is no substitute for
walking the fields, sensors can provide
quantifiable data over time to produce
more consistent growing results. It is
clear we still have much to learn about
how the soil works, but the advent of
new, less expensive sensors will create
farm management practices that can be
integrated as part of a broader, intelligent
decision support system.
Arama Kukutai is the
CropX chairman and a
co-founder and partner
at Finistere Ventures, an
agriculture and food
technology venture
capital firm. He has 20
years experience working
in the agribusiness sector
as a company founder and
entrepreneur. He is an active member of the
ag tech community and serves as a director
on the boards of current Finistere portfolio
companies Crop Pro Insurance,
Plenty, Taranis and Zeakal.

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30 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017

 Voices from the industry
Ensuring a food supply for future
generations by addressing todays
water-use challenges
By Sally Rockey, PhD
With 10 billion people projected to
populate the world by 2050, our food
system must evolve. Farmers will need to
produce more with less less land, less
resources and less water. Agriculture, which
accounts for approximately 70 percent of
global freshwater withdrawals, is the largest
water user globally. New technologies
and continued adoption of sustainable
agricultural water-use practices present an
opportunity to advance our agricultural
systems where water is often becoming a
limited resource.
To give future generations a safe, nutritious
and sustainable food supply, we must
address water-use challenges with science-
based solutions.
But no single company or organization
can solve these complex issues alone.
Agricultural water use involves technology
for precision application, municipal water
supplies, understanding of water flows and
recharge, pollutant reduction strategies,
and more. One product wont provide a
solution to every problem, but all of us
working together can find a combination
of approaches and technologies that give
producers and the public peace of mind
when it comes to agricultural water use.
The Foundation for Food and Agriculture
Research is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
established by bipartisan congressional
support in the 2014 Farm Bill. We bring
together leading experts to identify and
investigate the researchable questions
whose answers have the potential to
enhance the economic and environmental
resilience of our food supply.
FFAR has prioritized Overcoming Water
Scarcity as one of its strategic Challenge
Areas and aims to increase water-use
efficiency in agriculture, develop water
reuse technologies and improve water
quality. The FFAR program is designed to
foster adoption of science, management
strategies, technologies, training and
outreach that support sustainable practices.
Our goal is to arm farmers, ranchers and
farm decision-makers with better tools for
data-based decision-making.
The Overcoming Water Scarcity program
emphasizes funding innovative research in
the following strategic areas:
irrigation
plant water efficiency
water reuse/recovery
groundwater recharge
One of the key issues identified by
FFAR stakeholders is irrigation. Farmers
and ranchers are the stewards of the
natural resources that fuel our food
system. Agricultural producers, as well as
stakeholders with industry, cities and the
environment, have interconnected interests
surrounding water availability, water-
use efficiency, irrigation management,
the need for practical applied science
surrounding irrigation, and the need for
overall improved resource management.
The need is great for a holistic system
of best management practices in high-
efficiency irrigation systems, regional
water delivery infrastructure, data-driven
control systems and irrigation efficiency.
Technology demonstrations and
practitioner training are critically needed
to effectively address water scarcity and
technology transfer.
The future of irrigated agriculture depends
upon producers ability to improve on-farm
water management for crop production.
Putting innovative technology and proven
best management practices in the hands
of producers demands collaborative
scientific solutions from the best and
brightest minds.
At a time when public investment in food
and agriculture research is in decline,
FFAR is a ready partner to unite private
businesses and the public sector behind
collaborative research and development to
meet our water challenges.
I thank the Irrigation Association for
participation in the development of an
upcoming FFAR-led irrigation consortium,
which is designed to bring industry and
public partners together to advance
irrigation automation, supervisory control
and data acquisition, data management
and decision support, and energy and
water-use efficiency in irrigated food
systems and amenity landscapes across
the globe. With this partnership, we aim to
strategically capitalize on existing strengths
while creating powerful new synergies.
I look forward to partnering with leaders
in the irrigation industry to work toward
a more efficient, sustainable American
agriculture system. Together with
producers, we can develop and deploy
cutting-edge science to overcome water
scarcity and protect our agricultural system.
Sally Rockey, PhD, is
the executive director
of the Foundation
for Food and
Agriculture Research.
An entomologist
by training, Dr. Rockey
has devoted her career to
advocating for science and promoting
the role of research in improving peoples
lives. Before FFAR, Dr. Rockey worked
for the federal government for 30 years,
leading competitive research programs at
both the U.S. Department of Agriculture
and the National Institutes of Health.
irrigationtoday.org 31
 SM

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32 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017
 Economy
Irrigation development in a transition area
By George Oamek, PhD
My farm and residence is in the Loess Hills of southwest Iowa,
near Omaha, Nebraska. Its a transition area where the Corn Belt
meets the Great Plains. It rains fairly reliably, with a few exceptions,
and irrigation has usually been limited to the sandier soils near
the Missouri River. However, during a couple of recent dry years,
most notably 2012, there was a significant increase in center pivot
sprinklers in bottomlands and in the gentle rolling hills east of the
river. At the time, corn was in the $7 per bushel range, and a center
pivot was viewed as a long-term investment in crop insurance. A
somewhat unintended benefit of the increased irrigation capability
has been enabling double-cropping, or getting three crops in two
years. Many producers in the area are planting triticale and other
small grains following corn, harvesting as forage or grain in June,
and planting soybeans near the end of the month or as late as
July 4. The ability to put a few inches of water on the late-planted
soybeans makes for a better harvest most years.
With $7 per bushel corn and $14 per bushel soybeans, the
economics behind investing in irrigation probably wasnt difficult,
as long as a grower had an adequate water supply underneath
(which I dont) and suitable land. However, with 2017 shaping
up to be pretty dry and with corn and soybeans at $3.30 and
$9.50, respectively, does installing a center pivot still work out? To
answer this question, I took the decidedly nonscientific approach
of talking to a couple of my neighbors; one is a cattle feeder who
has been irrigating for some time, and the other is a cash grain
producer who installed his first pivot in 2013. Both individuals have
good credit and cash flow and tend to give straight answers, so
economics rather than other complications tend to drive their
decisions.
Both irrigators made essentially the same observations: the yield
benefits of irrigation are nonexistent in some years because the
systems may not be used at all, but they could be as much as 50
to 75 bushels per acre for corn in those infrequent dry years. On an
annual average basis, both farmers seemed to feel that an average
of 10 15 bushels per acre could be attributable to irrigation. For
soybeans, they seemed to see a consistent annual increase of
about 5 10 bushels or more per acre in a double crop situation
due to the ability to ensure adequate moisture in midsummer.
Based on the low crop prices and these expectations about yields,
the benefit in the first year is about $33 $50 per acre for corn and,
in the second year, about $50 $100 for soybeans.
The cost of irrigating in this transition area is estimated (by me)
to be about $75 per acre per year for the center pivot and well,
and about $10 per acre per year for pumping and other operating
costs, totaling about $85 per acre. Capital costs are based on
$70,000 for the pivot and well, amortized over 10 years at 6 percent
interest. Pumping costs are based on an annual water application
averaging about 4 acre-inches.
Based on the above back-of-the-envelope calculations, it costs
about $85 per acre per year to own and operate a center pivot
here in southwest Iowa, and one can expect about $50 $100
in expected crop value. Based on traditional cropping, a center
pivot is a marginal investment under current crop prices. However,
complicating the arithmetic is how to value the winter grain crop,
sandwiched in the rotation between the corn and beans, which
usually doesnt get irrigated at all. Both neighbors agreed that they
would not plant a winter crop if not for the potential to irrigate the
following crop, even knowing that in some years it may not need
irrigation. Therefore, for these producers, most of the value of the
winter crop is attributable to their ability to irrigate.
So, whats the value of the winter crop? Typically, not as much as
corn or soybeans, but it doesnt have to be as valuable to make
irrigation economically feasible. The traditional corn-soybean
rotation pretty well covers fixed costs, so the winter crop only has
to cover variable costs like seed, fertilizer, chemicals and fuel. My
cattle feeder neighbor strongly believes he nets at least $50 or
more per acre with the winter crop in terms of chopped forage
or spring grazing, depending how he utilizes it. My cash crop
neighbor is similarly supportive for about the same reasons. He
sells his winter crop as forage to the other neighbor. In conclusion,
it appears irrigation development in the transition area of western
Iowa and eastern Nebraska may be economically feasible under
currently low crop prices, if one has suitable land and water
available.
George Oamek, PhD, is an economist with
Headwaters Corporation and is also on the staff of
the Platte River Recovery Implementation Programs
executive directors office. His 30-year career has
focused on agriculture economics, including
irrigation water leases, municipal water supply
planning and methods for managing risks. He received
his undergraduate education at Colorado State University
and his graduate degree from Iowa State University. He also
operates his familys Century Farm in southwest Iowa. Oamek will be
the Economy contributor for all issues in volume 2 of Irrigation Today.
irrigationtoday.org 33
 International trends
Ancient water tribunal still operating in Spain
By Bill Thornton
Many of todays irrigators understand the
necessity to protect their water supply
and practice efficient water use. Although
technology and practices have changed
over the years, this focus on water-efficient
irrigation is not new to this century or
even the last millennium. Solving issues
related to water can be traced back to the
10th century, as evidenced by a 1,000-year-
old water tribunal still meeting weekly
in Valencia, Spain. It is the oldest existing
institution of justice in Europe.
On a recent trip to Spain to attend a family
wedding, I learned about this amazing
active historical artifact. Officially called
the Water Tribunal of the Plain of Valencia,
this court has met every Thursday at
noon since the mid 900s. The meetings
take place in public outside the door of
34 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017
the Apostles of the Cathedral in Valencia,
a cathedral famous for housing a gold
chalice said to be the one used by Jesus
at the Last Supper. The weekly event
has become a popular attraction for
tourists, school field trips and pedestrians
who gather to wait for the members to
congregate and start their session.
Courts history
There are varying opinions about the true
origins of the Valencia Water Tribunal. Many
historians claim that the precedent for a
water court was set in Roman times, and
the foundation for the one still operating in
Valencia was laid during the reigns of two
Caliphs (Muslim religious and civil rulers) in
or around the year 960.
Members of the Valencia Water Tribunal meet every
Thursday to settle water disputes between farmers.
Valencia is one of the most ancient cities
of the Mediterranean coast, and its fertile
land is irrigated through a network of eight
canals. Crops grown in the area include
oranges, vegetables and tubers, such
as tiger nuts that are pounded to make
horchata, a popular Spanish drink.
The court was originally set up by farmers
to resolve water disputes. They delegated a
representative from each of Valencias eight
communities of irrigators to hear disputes
between farmers, and this tradition
continued after Valencia was returned to
Christian control.
1,000 years later
Todays eight-member court still gathers in
the same spot every Thursday at noon to
take their seats in a circle of 17th century
Photo credit: UNESCO, CC-BY-SA-3.0
chairs made of wood and leather. They still
wear the typical black robes of the people
of the Huerta, a region of high-density
market-gardening surrounding Valencia.
They are democratically elected every two
years by the farmers who use the irrigation
system in the area.
The water court meets to hear issues of
when a farmer violates one of the statutes
governing a canal and exercises supreme
authority in matters of irrigation. Offenders
are called to appear before the court,
who examines the case. All cases are
presented orally and in person. The court
then deliberates amongst themselves and
renders their verdict on the spot.
The whole trial is verbal and nothing
is written down. Decisions made are
absolute, and there is no opportunity to
appeal. Over the years, decisions made
by this court have been respected by
dictators, presidents and kings. The trials
are conducted in the Valencian language,
which is spoken by the people who live
in the Huerta. Sentences typically involve
fines and are said to be imposed in lliures
valencianes, which was the medieval
currency of the Kingdom of Valencia.
Past issues of Irrigation Leader are archived at waterstrategies.com/irrigation-leader.
Of the hundreds of water disputes that educating the public about the importance
arise each year, just 20 25 actually reach of efficient irrigation and protecting the
the tribunal. Most issues are resolved water supply.
through mediation sometimes just
minutes before the tribunals weekly However, its survival in the future is
session. On some Thursdays, no one not guaranteed. There are two factors
appears at the door of the cathedral with threatening farming on the plains of
a case, and the sessions are concluded Valencia, thus affecting the survival of the
tribunal: the reduction in the amount of
quickly. However, the officials still show
land that is farmed due to urbanization and
up and take their seats every Thursday,
the aging of the population.
waiting as the head official calls out to see
if anyone from the various regions has a Only time will tell if this ancient practice
dispute to bring to the court. of swift justice survives the 21st century. If
you find yourself traveling through Spain,
1,000 more years? plan to stop in Valencia at noon on any
The ancient water tribunal has become Thursday and witness this small piece of
a popular tourist attraction, offering a active history.
unique window into the past and, in a way,
Bill Thornton is a regional sales manager for
Watertronics. He has over 30 years experience
in manufacturing, sales, strategic planning,
product development and customer service
in the industry. Thornton is currently a
member of the IA Editorial Committee.
/IrrigationLeader
@IrrigationLeadr
Irrigation Leader
is distributed to all
irrigation districts in the
17 western states.
We welcome advertising
inquiries from product
and service providers.
Please contact Kris Polly
at (703) 517-3962 or
Irrigation.Leader@
waterstrategies.com.
irrigationtoday.org 35
 Irrigation Show | Nov. 8 9
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irrigation and specialty products and technologies
USDA-ARS Ogallala Aquifer Program Center Pivot
entered in the new product contest, the showcase for
Irrigation Technology Transfer Effort
new innovations in irrigation. These products will be on
Microirrigation Technologies for Agricultural Production
display at the show.
Improving Agricultural Irrigation Scheduling &
2017 New Product Contest entries Management
The Future of Irrigation Moving Toward Sustainability
Ag irrigation
B-hyve Farm, Hydro-Rain On top of that, there are beginner, intermediate and
LFX300 Rain Bird LFX Series Low Flow Sprinkler, Rain advanced education classes covering pumps and soils,
Bird
drip/micro design, center pivot design and principles of
EasyDose Universal Chemical Injector, DEMA Engineering
Co.
agriculture irrigation, as well as agriculture CAD learning
ICON Control Panels, Valley Irrigation lab opportunities.
ICON1 Smart Panel, Valley Irrigation
ICONX Smart Panel, Valley Irrigation What does IA membership offer?
X-Tec Center Drive, Valley Irrigation
AGRI-PLAST Side Roll Irrigation Wheel, AGRI-PLAST LLC Have you ever wondered how IA membership can benet
by Texas Sod Leasing LLC your company and you as an irrigation professional?
TigerMagEP Electromagnetic Flow Meter, Irrigation Come to the new IA Power Breakfast and learn all there is
Components International Inc. to know about the Irrigation Association and how to tap
Low-X Emitterline, Jain Irrigation into to all of the member benets available.
Dura Mag, McCrometer Inc.
Riser Manifold and Filter, Hit Products Corp.
FieldNETs Pivot Control Lite, Lindsay Corp. What special events are planned?
Ag specialty Cant-miss special events include the opening night
party, the general session featuring the keynote address
FieldNET Advisor, Lindsay Corp.
EnviroMonitor, Davis Instruments and announcement of the new product contest winners,
AquaFlow Drip Irrigation Design Program Tablet App, The common interest group meetings, and events for young
Toro Company professionals and women in irrigation. Top off the week at
the closing night party and the 2017 Water Summit.
In addition to these new products, 300 exhibitors
covering 168,000 square feet of exhibit space will offer
hands-on access to products and information covering
every area of ag irrigation.
For a preview of product ideas that havent hit the market
yet, come to the IA Pitchers Mound event and watch
aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs pitch their irrigation
ideas, hoping to score a home run with the judges.
 Networking, innovation & education its all here.

Schedule of events (Subject to change)

Sunday, Nov. 5 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. REGISTRATION OPEN Education Classes & Exhibitors Only

7:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. REGISTRATION OPEN Education Classes & Exhibitors Only
Monday, Nov. 6 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. IA Education Classes
8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-in

7:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. REGISTRATION OPEN

7:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Certied Low Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT) Exam
8:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. FIS Golf Tournament Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club
8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. IA Education Classes
8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-in
9:00 a.m. 12:20 p.m. IA Technical Program Landscape
Tuesday, Nov. 7 9:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. IA Technical Program Agriculture
1:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. IA Certication Exams
1:30 p.m. 3:40 p.m. Irrigation Seminars Landscape
6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. IA Past Presidents Dinner (invitation only)
6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Math Refresher Seminar FREE!
7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Opening Night Party

7:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Drip/Micro Irrigation Common Interest Group

7:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. REGISTRATION OPEN
8:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. New Product Contest Judging (open for all attendees)
8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. IA Certication Exams
8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. IA Technical Program Agriculture
8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. IA Education Classes
Wednesday, Nov. 8 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Florida Irrigation Contractor License Exam Prep Workshop
8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Manufacturers Representatives Common Interest Group
10:00 a.m. 2:10 p.m. Irrigation Seminars Landscape
11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. EXHIBITS OPEN
12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Certication Luncheon (certied individuals only RSVP required)
1:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. IA Certication Exams
5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Women in Irrigation Social

7:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. REGISTRATION OPEN

8:00 a.m. 8:45 a.m. Networking Continental Breakfast (prior to the IA General Session)
8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. IA Power Breakfast (RSVP required)
8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Young Professionals Breakfast
8:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. IA General Session & Keynote Address
11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Irrigation Seminars Landscape
11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. EXHIBITS OPEN
Thursday, Nov. 9 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Friends of the Industry Luncheon (invitation only)
1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. IA Pitchers Mound (on show oor)
1:00 p.m. 4:15 p.m. Irrigation Seminars Business
1:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. IA Certication Exams
2:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. History Common Interest Group
5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Closing Night Party
5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-out

7:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. REGISTRATION OPEN

8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. IA Education Classes
Friday, Nov. 10 8:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. IA Certication Exams
8:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-out
8:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. IA Water Summit

Register now!
If you havent registered to attend the biggest and best event in irrigation, now is the time! For
registration information, go to www.irrigationshow.org or call 703.536.7080.

www.irrigationshow.org
 Member insights
During the recent Irrigation Foundation agriculture Faculty
Academy, Irrigation Today caught up with a few college educators
and asked them the following question:

What is the biggest challenge you Now is the time

face educating the next generation of
irrigation professionals?
to join the IA!

Because technology is advancing

fairly significantly, the big challenge is Look what youve been missing:
having access to that technology in the Save money on education.
classroom. We try to provide as much
Have your industry voice heard.
hands-on instruction as possible and
having access to the technology which Protect your interests through
is expensive requires strong industry advocacy.
sponsorship to make that happen. Network with peers.
Brad Ramsdale, PhD, associate professor,
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Attend the Irrigation Show
for less.
Gain a competitive advantage.
The biggest challenge with instructing
the future of the industry is just getting
the word out that the possibilities are
endless and that the irrigation industry
covers a broad spectrum that most
students arent even aware exists.
Steve Amador, agriculture mechanics
instructor, Modesto Junior College

The greatest challenge for me as

an educator is attracting students
to the irrigation profession. At the
undergraduate level, attracting domestic
students is difficult because those who
have an interest in water have more of an
interest in the environment and choose
careers that cater to that. So, we have some work to do in showing
the environmental relevance of the irrigation profession in terms of
water sustainability, keeping our water resources clean and being
good stewards of our soil.
Derek Heeren, PE, PhD, irrigation engineer and
assistant professor, University of Nebraska Lincoln
For more information, visit

www.irrigation.org
38 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017 or call 703.536.7080.
 Weather outlook
Winter 2017 2018 Sponsored by

Following two extremely warm winters, a notably colder weather in the west central Plains, while January may be the wettest month
pattern is in store for the central and eastern United States this in Texas. No significant El Nio or La Nia event is likely this winter,
winter, with below normal temperatures favored across the which leads to a lower confidence forecast.
northern Plains and the Midwest. A much warmer winter than
MDA Weather forecast precipitation percentage of normal for December
last year is expected in the Pacific Northwest, with seasonal 2017 February 2018 (A = above normal, B = below normal, N = normal)
temperatures forecasted. Above normal temperatures this winter
should be mostly limited to California. February is expected to be
the coldest month relative to normal nationally, particularly in the
Midwest.

The West Coast is not expected to see a repeat of last winters

deluge, with slightly below normal rainfall expected, although
a wet start to the winter is possible in California before drier
weather returns in January and February. Above normal
precipitation is expected across the western Plains and portions
of the northwestern Midwest this winter, while below normal
precipitation is expected across the southwestern Midwest,
southeastern Plains and the northern Delta. Near normal
precipitation is expected across most of the eastern third of the
country. December and February should be the wettest months

Produce more
Conserve more
Your primary source for Improve lives
irrigation-related resources
Textbooks I Exam References
Teaching Kits I Training Tools
Online Offerings

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To book a tour or meeting at the
Order online at Learning Center please contact Khris or Lisa.
www.irrigation.org/store khris.a.jinks@monsanto.com
or call 703.536.7080. lisa.m.bihlmaier@monsanto.com

irrigationtoday.org 39
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SAVES WATER, USES LESS ENERGY
INCREASES YIELDS

Combines LEPA (Low Energy Precision Application) bubblers

with conservation tillage

Sprinklers are spaced at 40 inches or less

and 8 to 18 inches above the ground.

FEATURES
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Low pressure systems - 6 to 15 psi -
reduces pumping costs
Applies the water needed in fewer passes
Qualifies for government funding
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