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Irrigation Water Management

Irrigation Water Management Software

Several requests have been received from states to provide support for the use of irrigation water management models. The models include:

  • IWR (Irrigation Water Requirements), a model to predict the quantity of irrigation water needed at a specific site for a specific crop.
  • CPED (Center Pivot Evaluation and Design Program), a model to evaluate the distribution of water on a field by center pivot irrigation systems.
  • SPAW (Soil, Plant, Air and Water), a model to predict water movement through soils, runoff, and wetland determination.
  • AGPIPE (Agricultural Pipeline Design), a program to design pipelines systems for farms.
  • SRFR (Surface Irrigation Tool), a model to help identify the optimum surface irrigation efficiencies from border, basin, and furrow irrigation.

The NWMC staff is continuing to develop the expertise to use these models, and provide support to others.

Red Bayou Irrigation Project

The NWMC provided assistance to the NRCS Louisiana staff on the proposed "Red Bayou Irrigation Project" that is located in Caddo Parish. The staff will investigate irrigation water management needs in the project area, determining impacts to ground and surface water, and introducing potential structural measures required to implement the proposed project.

State Irrigation Guide Revisions

State Irrigation Guides are specific to the agricultural needs of the area they cover. Several states have requested assistance in revising their guides. This revision may require the use of irrigation models. The NWMC will provide support to states in revising their guides, and assist the states in acquiring the expertise to run the required model(s).

CROPLEX

CROPLEX is a software model for irrigation scheduling and nutrient management. The NWMC will work with UAPB to evaluate this model at Lonoke demonstration farm. The evaluation will determine the suitability of the model for humid region irrigated agriculture.

Bridging the Headgate Support

Participated in tour of USBR and NRCS activities in the central California. Explored opportunities for collaboration, support, and assistance. Participated in an exchange of USBR and NRCS water-related technologies. Developed an agreement with USBR to assess opportunities to enhance "Bridging" objectives during NWMC assistance to western states.

Contacts:
Tony Stevenson   501-210-8918    tony.stevenson@ar.usda.gov

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