Library

Irrigation Scheduling

Roger Ashley, William Neibling and, Bradley King (2016)

Summary

The important decision as to when and how much water to apply to a growing crop must be repeatedly made throughout the growing season. This decision involves a commitment by the producer to optimally manage water, labor, and equipment. Poor management resulting in either under or over irrigation can reduce crop yields, degrade crop quality, enhance the field environment for disease, increase pumping costs, and leach soluble nutrients from the root zone.