IRRIGATION IN MONTANA

MOST SYSTEMS IN PLACE FOR MANY YEARS

SURFACE IRRIGATION TYPES WILD FLOODING CONTOUR DITCH BORDERS FURROWS

CONTOUR DITCH PERMANENT CROPS STEEP SLOPES, LITTLE SMOOTHING SOMETIMES REPLACED WITH GATED PIPE

BORDER IRRIGATION ALMOST ALWAYS GRADED BORDERS ALFALFA, GRAINS MAY BE USED IN SHORT ROTATIONS WITH FURROW CROPS

FURROW IRRIGATION MOSTLY IN THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER BASIN

Gated Pipe Systems Great increase in use since cost share began in late 1980’s.

PROBLEM AREAS

WATER QUALITY Late season (>July) water quality/volume declines. Leaching component must be applied in the spring. Conversion to center pivots may not be feasible.

LACK OF WATER MEASUREMENT

LEADS TO OTHER PROBLEMS OVER IRRIGATION AND EROSION

ENCOURAGE USE OF PAM

CONVERSION TO SPRINKLERS LABOR SAVINGS + MANAGEMENT

SPRINKLER APPLICATIONS

SIDE ROLL OR WHEEL ROLL

Pressure effects distribution

SO DOES WIND!!

WIND ROSE DATA

UNIFORM, LIGHT WINDS Catch Can Evaluations

3 Dimensional Patterns

Pattern graphic

OLD IMPACT-STYLE PIVOTS

LOW PRESSURE PIVOTS

LEPA - Bubbler mode 8”-18” above soil, or drag socks

OLD and NEW TOOLS

FINALLY, THE BOTTOM LINE: PROFITABLE CONSERVATION