Sprinkler irrigation systems are the predominant type of irrigation in Nebraska. A historical view shows the role irrigation technology has played in increasing irrigation application efficiency and crop water productivity. However, it is important to also have realistic expectations for the impact of new irrigation technology on consumptive use of water resources. Finally, proper system evaluations and maintenance are important to ensure that irrigation systems are performing well.
Consumptive Use
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- Heeren, D. M., Wilkening, E., Hallum, D., McCullough, C., Keshwani, J., & Schellpeper, J. 2023. Impact of irrigation technologies on water use: Clarifying water withdrawals and consumptive use. NebGuide g2345, Nebraska Extension.
- Wilkening, E., Heeren, D. M., Hallum, D., Schellpeper, J., & Martin, D. L. 2021. Impact of irrigation technologies on withdrawals and consumptive use of water. ASABE Annual International Meeting (virtual), Paper No. 2101114. 11 pages.
Historical Perspective
- Visit the following post: New article traces aspects of the history of irrigation in the Great Plains and water productivity.
- Evett, S. R., P. D. Colaizzi, F. R. Lamm, S. A. O’Shaughnessy, D. M. Heeren, T. J. Trout, W. L. Kranz, and X. Lin. 2020. Past, present and future of irrigation on the U.S. Great Plains. Transactions of the ASABE 63(3): 703-729. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.13620
Maintenance and System Evaluations
- Hillyer, C. C., R. T. Peters, X. Qiao, D. M. Heeren, J. L. LaRue, C. Prestwich, and S. Bhatti. 2021. Sprinkler irrigation system field checklist. Joint ASABE and Irrigation Association (IA) Decennial National Irrigation Symposium, Paper No. 20-061, San Diego, Calif. 4 pages.
- Heeren, D. M., S. R. Melvin, A. Nygren, and E. Wilkening. 2020. Now is the time of year to check pivot performance. Online extension article, UNL Water.
- Ingram, T., D. M. Heeren, S. R. Melvin, E. Wilkening, A. Nygren, D. L. Martin, D. R. Rudnick, C. Burr, and M. Mamo. 2019. Problems regarding operating pressure and uniformity. Online extension article, UNL Water.
- Melvin, S. R., D. M. Heeren, T. Ingram, A. Nygren, D. L. Martin, M. Mamo, E. Wilkening, and S. Pitla. 2019. Safety concerns with center pivot irrigation systems. Online extension article, UNL Water.