News

Analyzing the costs of energy for irrigation in Michigan

Published on September 13, 2024
Considering annual energy costs in irrigation systems is critical for investment decisions.
Timing the last irrigation

Published on August 29, 2024
Maximizing profit and returns on resources invested can be dependent on the last irrigation application.
MSU researchers develop low-cost sensors to help farmers irrigate more efficiently, manage diseases

Published on August 14, 2024
Scientists have developed a system called LOCOMOS to monitor irrigation efficiency.
Irrigation during peak crop water use

Published on August 1, 2024
Strategic irrigation during critical reproductive stages of corn and soybeans is essential to meet increasing water needs and optimize yield potential.
Scheduling tools help irrigators get the most out of rainfall

Published on July 22, 2024
Michigan and Indiana will often get rainfall in late June and early July to the extent it will refill the root zone for corn and soybeans.
Early summer crop water needs

Published on July 3, 2024
Effective early water management involves applying irrigation only when necessary to give the crop a strong start, while considering that over-irrigation can lead to losses of crop inputs.
Introducing weekly crop water use reports for irrigation scheduling

Published on July 2, 2024
Weekly crop water use recommendations offer irrigators scientifically based guidance on how much irrigation water to apply when rainfall is insufficient.
Traverse City cherry, apple grower optimistic new climate program will address soil health

Published on June 19, 2024
Raul Gomez, operations manager of Wunsch Farms in Traverse City, said changing climate patterns have shown the importance of accurately applying water and nutrients to the soil.
Fertigation and sidedress nitrogen applications can protect farm profits and the environment

Published on June 17, 2024
Split nitrogen applications, such as fertigation and sidedress nitrogen, on sandy soils are an essential component to increasing nitrogen use efficiency and mitigating environmental risks.
Water use reporting: Making it easy to record with irrigation scheduling tools

Published on June 14, 2024
As the April 1 deadline for past year water use reporting for irrigation and other large water uses came and went, many producers are reminded of the value of keeping good records within their water management.