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ARS Home » Plains Area » Bushland, Texas » Conservation and Production Research Laboratory » Soil and Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #193536
Title: CONCEPTS OF IN-CANOPY AND NEAR-CANOPY SPRINKLER IRRIGATION

Author
item LAMM, F - KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
item Howell, Terry
item BORDOVSKY, J - TEXAS AGRIC. EXP. STATION

Submitted to: Proceedings of the World Water and Environmental Resources Congress
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/15/2006
Publication Date: 5/20/2006
Citation: Lamm, F.R., Howell, T.A., Bordovsky, J.P. 2006. Concepts of in-canopy and near-canopy sprinkler irrigation. In: Proceedings of the World Water and Environmental Resources Congress. Examining the Confluence of Environmental and Water Concerns, May 21-25, 2006, Omaha, Nebraksa. 2006 CDROM.

Interpretive Summary: Irrigation application systems for center pivot sprinklers that use near- or within-canopy application technology can be effective in reducing evaporative losses. But they can apply water non-uniformly and result in uneven crop development and yields or surface water redistribution to low places in the field resulting in percolation below the root zone and/or runoff. This paper discusses the advantages and potential problems with near- or within-canopy application technology in the U.S. Great Plains. System design, installation and operational guidelines can prevent many non-uniformity problems from becoming detrimental.

Technical Abstract: The use of in-canopy and near-canopy sprinkler application from mechanical move systems is prevalent in the U. S. Great Plains. These systems can reduce evaporative by nearly 15%, but introduce a much greater potential for irrigation non-uniformity. Close attention to the design, installation and operational guidelines for these systems can prevent many non-uniformity problems from becoming unmanageable.