K I N G S

R I V E R

C O N S E R V A T I O N

D I S T R I C T

IRRIGATION
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Volume 14, No. 4

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September - October 2003

New System Pros and Cons

Daniel Moseley has a modest sized operation near Selma. Until recently, he irrigated his mix of fruit trees with a conventional surface system, which dated back to the 1930's. Moseley described the surface system as "not flexible enough" and has recently replaced it with microsprayers that allow greater flexibility, uniformity and control. Three factors led Moseley to the decision to change irrigation systems. "Labor was a major factor" he said. "I would have to have an irrigator here all day under the old system, for the entire time I was irrigating. Now I check the system periodically while it is running. I have cut my labor costs from six hours per day for someone else to one hour of my time." Water use was the second reason. "My well would pump about 1,000 gpm for 18 hours at a time during an irrigation under the old system. Now, my flows are reduced to about 350 gpm for 10 hours, and I cover more acres." lating into lower costs," says Moseley. "The system is on a timer and I can set it to run when I want. I also had soil moisture sensors installed this summer so I can monitor the performance more closely." Some people think that changing systems is a long, drawn-out process. Not so in this case. "Construction took about three weeks, from the trenching to laying the laterals to installing the sprinkler heads," says Moseley. "It went very smoothly." A change in irrigation systems necessitates a change in management practices. Moseley agrees. "Weed control is now an issue that I am dealing with. I don't plow my middles, and the grasses there and in the berms have grown so tall that they interfere with the spray patterns. It will take some adjustments, like using a preemergent herbicide to keep the weeds down. Using the moisture meters is new, too. I will need to get used to that as well," says Moseley. "Also, I have found that the components are more 'delicate' than I anticipated." Other problems that have arisen include the ruts where the trenching took place and some breakage of lines when the system was first turned on. "I think the contractor could have filled the trenches better, but they have been very good about replacing tees and couplers that pop off due to the system pressure." Asked what he would do differently or what he would tell others who are thinking of making the change from one system to another, Moseley replied, "Do your homework. Research the type of system that you want, know the components that you need so that you can ask intelligent questions of the designer, without just taking what they say for granted. You need understand your system, because once it's in, it is yours to maintain." Good advice.

Daniel Moseley discusses his conversion experiences. Energy was the third reason. "I seem to be running my pumping plant less than before, and that is trans-

New Method to Estimate Grape Yields

Estimating grape yields can require a considerable amount of time and labor. In the August 2003 issue of Trellis Talk, a new technique is being researched that can tell a grower what their yield potential is by measuring the tension changes on the trellis wire. Julie Tarara, a research horticulturalist with USDA/ARS in Washington, is using load cells to measure the changes in wire tension as the fruit develops. The signal from the load cell is recorded in a data logger for later retrieval. Her research has been going on for the last three years. According to Tarara, wine grapes are better suited for this technique, since canopy development is arrested after fruit set. Other vineyards could benefit as well, but the additional vine growth present would need to be accounted for. Additional questions need to be answered before the technique is used commercially, but the potential is considerable. The original article can be seen at www.trellistalk.com.

System Design Considerations

When a grower decides to look at changing irrigation systems, the possibilities may seem overwhelming. Here are some basic guidelines to help point growers in the right direction. The major factors to consider are the things that will not change with the system. These include the soil type, slope of the field, water source, water quality and crop type. Other factors are the capital cost of the system, operation and maintenance costs, and management considerations. Soils The texture of a soil (the ratio of sand, silt, and clay) determines its infiltration rate and its ability to hold water, the water holding capacity (WHC). Coarse, sandy soils have low WHC values and high infiltration rates, while finer clay soils have high WHC values and lower infiltration rates. Water quality can negatively impact infiltration rates without a corresponding change in WHC. Sandy soils with their low WHC (less than 1.2 inches of water per foot) require frequent irrigations to avoid plant stress. Such soils are better irrigated with sprinkler or microirrigation systems. Loam and clay soils have higher WHC values, and can support longer irrigation intervals depending upon the crop grown. As the texture of the soil becomes finer, the risk of having water pond on the surface during irrigation increases. This can create an anaerobic (no oxygen) situation within the soil that harms the roots and prevents water and nutrient uptake. Under such conditions, it is critical to match application and infiltration rates. Restrictive layers in the subsoil require a different approach to irrigation. Adding water to the root zone at a rate faster than the subsoil can drain results in an impoundment of water above the impermeable layer. If allowed to remain, this water will bring previously leached salts back into the root zone or even to the soil surface. Intensive management and reduced application rates are required to avoid this condition.
Water Quality EC EC EC, pH EC, pH EC, pH

Slope The slope of the field also determines the suitability of an irrigation method. Flat or nearly flat terrain works well for all irrigation methods. As slopes increase, erosion becomes a factor and the irrigation method employed must reflect that risk. Methods such as sprinklers or microirrigation can bring such land into production. Water Source and Quality The timing of available water can limit system options, unless a supplemental source exists. For surface systems, it is critical that the supply remains even during the course of the season so that all areas of the field receive water at equal intervals. Well water can supplement surface deliveries but this adds cost to the system. Poor water quality will increase the cost of operation and maintenance of any pressurized system. Surface water usually contains organic matter that requires filtration or chemical treatment prior to use in microirrigation systems. Well water frequently contains dissolved minerals that can impact system performance and the physical properties of a soil. The pH of the water can have an adverse affect on certain components such as aluminum pipe. Management Considerations Capital and operational costs vary by system. As the complexity increases, the capital costs increase. Highly engineered systems are the most expensive but can be the most efficient in controlling the application of irrigation water. Such systems are most practical for high value crops or in areas where water is expensive. Maintenance costs of such systems are higher due to increased component content. Emitters require replacement due to plugging, wear or simple breakage. The table below is a summary of system selection considerations. If you are considering changing irrigation methods or have any other irrigation related questions, call the KRCD Irrigation Specialist at 237-5567.
Operational Cost Low to Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate to High Crop Suitability All All All Trees, Vines Trees

Relative Comparisons of Irrigation System Types and Primary Concerns

System Type Flood Furrow Sprinkler Drip* Microsprinklers Soil Type Loam to Clay Loam to Clay All All All Slope Mild Mild All All All Capital Cost Low Low Moderate to High High High Filtration None None Sand Only Required Required

*Sub Surface drip is available for row crop applications

IRRIGATION
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Reprint freely with credit to: Irrigation News, a bimonthly publication of the Kings River Conservation District For more information contact Eric Athorp at (559) 237-5567 ext 117 www.krcd.org

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