Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Irrigation Water Use Note to Presenters: Handout material for this presentation is “ Irrigation Water Use GAAMP” Available from MDA at search for Irrigation GAAMPs MSU Extension Educators, Dr. Tom Fernadas, Bruce MacKellar, Steve Miller, Lyndon Kelley other Irrigation GAAMPs taskforce member maybe able to answer questions or present this material if needed.

Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Irrigation Water Use “2007 updates” December 2007

What do we use the Irrigation Water Use GAAMPs for ? Sets the standard Right to Farm complaints in the irrigation water use area will be evaluated against. Sets the standard Right to Farm complaints in the irrigation water use area will be evaluated against. Right to Farm Act is Nuisance law suit protecting for agriculture. Right to Farm Act is Nuisance law suit protecting for agriculture. Farmer are granted this protection if they are following generally accepted agricultural management practices. Farmer are granted this protection if they are following generally accepted agricultural management practices.

What do we use the Irrigation Water Use GAAMPs for ? Irrigation water use GAAMPs are sited as a qualifier for agricultural related large volume water use complaints. Irrigation water use GAAMPs are sited as a qualifier for agricultural related large volume water use complaints. Irrigation water use GAAMPs are the core of the irrigation water use plan that large volume water user file as part of the water use reporting system. Irrigation water use GAAMPs are the core of the irrigation water use plan that large volume water user file as part of the water use reporting system.

Draft up for public comment through December 17 th. (MDA Website, GAAMPs) Draft up for public comment through December 17 th. (MDA Website, GAAMPs) Written comments can be mailed or filed electronically through the MDA website. Written comments can be mailed or filed electronically through the MDA website. Public comment meeting 1:00 December 17 th at State Library Public comment meeting 1:00 December 17 th at State Library Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Irrigation Water Use

Irrigation GAAMP Task Force ClimatologyJeff Andresen ClimatologyJeff Andresen Environmental Interests Environmental Interests Farm BureauScott Piggott Farm BureauScott Piggott Vegetable Industry Dave Smith Vegetable Industry Dave Smith Great Lakes and WRCFred Henningsen Great Lakes and WRCFred Henningsen MSU Extension Lyndon Kelley MSU Extension Lyndon Kelley Groundwater HydrologyDavid Lusch Groundwater HydrologyDavid Lusch MDAMike Gregg MDAMike Gregg MDEQRon Van Til MDEQRon Van Til

Irrigation GAAMP Task Force Nursery InterestsDr. Tom Fernadas Nursery InterestsDr. Tom Fernadas MSU Greenhouse AOE Tom Dudek MSU Greenhouse AOE Tom Dudek MSU Nursery AOE Dean Kropcoft MSU Nursery AOE Dean Kropcoft NRCSJohn Barclay NRCSJohn Barclay NRCSSteve Davis NRCSSteve Davis Potato Industry Comm.Ben Kudwa Potato Industry Comm.Ben Kudwa SW MI Seed GrowersBen Russell SW MI Seed GrowersBen Russell USGSJim Nicholas USGSJim Nicholas MSU Vegetable AOE Ron Goldy MSU Vegetable AOE Ron Goldy MSU Field Crops AOE Bruce MacKellar MSU Field Crops AOE Bruce MacKellar MSU Agriculture Eng. Steve Miller MSU Agriculture Eng. Steve Miller

GAAMP Document in Three Sections I. Introduction I. Introduction Stewardship Stewardship DO NOT ESTABLISH LEGAL CRITERIA to resolve water use conflicts DO NOT ESTABLISH LEGAL CRITERIA to resolve water use conflicts DO NOT CONFER PRIORITY RIGHTS to water use DO NOT CONFER PRIORITY RIGHTS to water use II. The 25 GAAMPS II. The 25 GAAMPS System Management Record Keeping Irrigation Scheduling Application Practices Additional Reasons to Irrigate Practical Considerations

GAAMP Document in Three Sections III Background – Information and education III Background – Information and education Irrigation in Michigan Irrigation in Michigan Relation to other GAAMPs Relation to other GAAMPs Michigan Water Law related to Irrigation Michigan Water Law related to Irrigation Planning and Preparation for Irrigation Planning and Preparation for Irrigation

Introduction – Stewardship Stewardship of the water resource quantity Stewardship of the water resource quantity Irrigators are to use water as efficiently as possible while providing the crop/landscape water needs Irrigators are to use water as efficiently as possible while providing the crop/landscape water needs Avoid over irrigation Avoid over irrigation Stewardship of the water quality Stewardship of the water quality Irrigation without deep percolation or runoff Irrigation without deep percolation or runoff Stewardship of the soil Stewardship of the soil Use management practices to maintain the soil infiltration characteristics and increase organic matter content to increase water holding capacity Use management practices to maintain the soil infiltration characteristics and increase organic matter content to increase water holding capacity Stewardship of the crop – sustain plant development Stewardship of the crop – sustain plant development Stewardship of the Agricultural sector of the economy Stewardship of the Agricultural sector of the economy

Management GAAMPs 1. Determine water applications accurately 1. Determine water applications accurately Totalizing flow meter and known area of coverage Totalizing flow meter and known area of coverage Calibrated sprinkler package and system speed Calibrated sprinkler package and system speed Numerous rain gauges in the field Numerous rain gauges in the field 2. Monitor pumping plant efficiency – Moved to recommendations 2. Monitor pumping plant efficiency – Moved to recommendations Maintain the desired flow and pressure Maintain the desired flow and pressure Monitor system pressure Monitor system pressure System flow is uniquely related to system pressure System flow is uniquely related to system pressure

Management GAAMPs (con”t) 3. Evaluate the irrigation system uniformity 3. Evaluate the irrigation system uniformity To know what it is applying and how uniformly To know what it is applying and how uniformly Periodically – every few (5-8) years or when something is changed Periodically – every few (5-8) years or when something is changed Evaluate according to a standard Evaluate according to a standard NRCS handbook – Pivot run with catch cans spaced ft. NRCS handbook – Pivot run with catch cans spaced ft. ASAE standards (436.1) – Pivot run with cans spaced 10 – 17 ft (3-5 m) ASAE standards (436.1) – Pivot run with cans spaced 10 – 17 ft (3-5 m)

Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Technicians Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Technicians MSU Extension trainings for producers MSU Extension trainings for producers Private consultants Private consultants Irrigation System Uniformity -Options

Tower 1 Tower 3 Tower 5 Tower 7 Tower 8 Sprinkler overlap with end gun

Management GAAMPs (con’t) 4. Maintain the irrigation system in good condition 4. Maintain the irrigation system in good condition Mostly means have a detailed look at the machine Mostly means have a detailed look at the machine Sprinklers rotating properly, nozzles not worn or blown out Sprinklers rotating properly, nozzles not worn or blown out Proper pressures at the nozzles Proper pressures at the nozzles Pipes free from leaks Pipes free from leaks Inspect regularly and document inspections Inspect regularly and document inspections Beginning of irrigation season Beginning of irrigation season During the season During the season

Management GAAMPs (con”t) 5. Operate to minimize drift and off target applications 5. Operate to minimize drift and off target applications Don’t water the roads or the neighbor’s house Don’t water the roads or the neighbor’s house Avoid operation in high winds where possible Avoid operation in high winds where possible Be sure stops and auto-switches are working properly Be sure stops and auto-switches are working properly 6. Ensure that irrigation system output does not greatly exceed the infiltration rate of the soil or substrate. 6. Ensure that irrigation system output does not greatly exceed the infiltration rate of the soil or substrate. Goal is to avoid runoff or run-on Goal is to avoid runoff or run-on An initial design issue An initial design issue Runoff can sometimes be managed by reducing application amount or changes tillage practices Runoff can sometimes be managed by reducing application amount or changes tillage practices In nursery systems, manage runoff by recycling or proper disposal In nursery systems, manage runoff by recycling or proper disposal

Management GAAMPs (con”t) 7. Provide noise control for engine driven pumping units. 7. Provide noise control for engine driven pumping units. Internal Combustion engines running pumping plants or generators Internal Combustion engines running pumping plants or generators Mufflers Mufflers Sound baffles Sound baffles Carefully chosen location Carefully chosen location

Provide noise control for engine driven pumping units. 2.3 Irrigation Management Practices Noise control provided when needed.

Record Keeping 8. Records should conform to the requirements of the Michigan Water Use Reporting laws and regulations. 8. Records should conform to the requirements of the Michigan Water Use Reporting laws and regulations. 9. Keep records on all system inspections and repairs that influence uniformity and leaks. 9. Keep records on all system inspections and repairs that influence uniformity and leaks. 10. Maintain records of regularly calibrated fertigation and chemigation equipment, if used. 10. Maintain records of regularly calibrated fertigation and chemigation equipment, if used. 11. Keep records of the results each time the irrigation system uniformity is evaluated. 11. Keep records of the results each time the irrigation system uniformity is evaluated.

Irrigation Scheduling Scheduling is determining when to irrigate and how much water to apply Scheduling is determining when to irrigate and how much water to apply Everyone schedules!! Everyone schedules!! Scientific methods involve treating the soil as a reservoir for plant water and maintaining the reservoir within an acceptable range for plant use Scientific methods involve treating the soil as a reservoir for plant water and maintaining the reservoir within an acceptable range for plant use

Irrigation Scheduling 12. Avoid applying irrigation water in excess of the quantity of water needed to replace the soil/substrate moisture deficit. 12. Avoid applying irrigation water in excess of the quantity of water needed to replace the soil/substrate moisture deficit.

Irrigation Scheduling 13. Know the available water for each unit scheduled. 13. Know the available water for each unit scheduled. AWC is the difference between the soil water content at the drained upper limit (“Field Capacity”) and the content at which plants permanently wilt. AWC is the difference between the soil water content at the drained upper limit (“Field Capacity”) and the content at which plants permanently wilt. Data available from NRCS Data available from NRCS Usual range is inches of water per inch of soil or 0.8 – 1.8 inches per foot. Usual range is inches of water per inch of soil or 0.8 – 1.8 inches per foot.

Irrigation Scheduling 14. Know the depth of rooting for each crop irrigated 14. Know the depth of rooting for each crop irrigated 15. Use container capacity in scheduling irrigation for container grown crops. 15. Use container capacity in scheduling irrigation for container grown crops. Typical container substrate capacity ranges 45 – 60% by volume Typical container substrate capacity ranges 45 – 60% by volume 16. Know the allowable depletion of each crop and stage of growth 16. Know the allowable depletion of each crop and stage of growth The allowable water depletion is less than the total available water – usually 40 – 60% of total, depending on the crop and stage of growth The allowable water depletion is less than the total available water – usually 40 – 60% of total, depending on the crop and stage of growth Container depletion may be 25 – 35% of container volume Container depletion may be 25 – 35% of container volume

Irrigation Scheduling 17. Measure, estimate, or use published evapotranspiration data and crop co-efficients (when available) to determine crop water use. 17. Measure, estimate, or use published evapotranspiration data and crop co-efficients (when available) to determine crop water use. For some crops, you may wish to consult an irrigation specialist for assistance. Measure soil moisture status Measure soil moisture status Estimate using weather data (MAWN) Estimate using weather data (MAWN) Use published information (off the web) Use published information (off the web) Even with good estimates, field checks are needed Even with good estimates, field checks are needed 18. Measure rainfall in the field 18. Measure rainfall in the field

Irrigation Scheduling Checkbook Method

Other Reasons to Irrigate 19. Other needs for irrigation 19. Other needs for irrigation Frost protection Frost protection Seed germination Seed germination Herbicide activation Herbicide activation Reduce disease Reduce disease Establishment of post-harvest cover crops Establishment of post-harvest cover crops Control of wind erosion in small and emerging crops Control of wind erosion in small and emerging crops Post-harvest maintenance of ornamentals Post-harvest maintenance of ornamentals Provision of proper conditions for harvesting (root) crops Provision of proper conditions for harvesting (root) crops Chemigation Chemigation Crop cooling in special cases with fruit crops Crop cooling in special cases with fruit crops Establishment and maintenance of a water table for sub- irrigation Establishment and maintenance of a water table for sub- irrigation

Application Practices (to avoid leaching) 20. Choose irrigation application amounts that will avoid surface runoff under sprinkler irrigation. 20. Choose irrigation application amounts that will avoid surface runoff under sprinkler irrigation. Depends on soil type and system application rate Runoff and run-on can cause nonuniform application and leaching Runoff and run-on can cause nonuniform application and leaching In container culture, manage runoff that may occur In container culture, manage runoff that may occur 21. Assure that sprinkler application rates are below the soil infiltration rate in order to prevent runoff and accumulation of water in lower areas, which may result in excess infiltration and leaching. 21. Assure that sprinkler application rates are below the soil infiltration rate in order to prevent runoff and accumulation of water in lower areas, which may result in excess infiltration and leaching.

Preventing Irrigation Runoff (comparing irrigation application rate to soil infiltration rate and amount applied)

Application Practices 22. When irrigation is used, split application of nitrogen fertilizer or use controlled release fertilizers. 22. When irrigation is used, split application of nitrogen fertilizer or use controlled release fertilizers. Goal is to avoid excess nitrogen leaching Goal is to avoid excess nitrogen leaching Rainfall right after irrigation can cause over filling of the soil water holding capacity and deep percolation which may leach excess nitrogen in the profile Rainfall right after irrigation can cause over filling of the soil water holding capacity and deep percolation which may leach excess nitrogen in the profile 23. Incorporate appropriate backflow-prevention safety devices if a chemigation system is used. 23. Incorporate appropriate backflow-prevention safety devices if a chemigation system is used.

Are appropriate backflow prevention devices in place and properly maintained if fertigation or chemigation is used? 2.9 Irrigation Management Practices Backflow prevention safety devices are used and properly maintained if fertigation or chemigation are used.

Background Section This section is information and education, not accepted agricultural and management practices This section is information and education, not accepted agricultural and management practices Divisions within the section Divisions within the section Irrigation in Michigan Irrigation in Michigan Relation to other GAAMPs Relation to other GAAMPs Michigan Water Law related to Irrigation Michigan Water Law related to Irrigation Planning and Preparation for Irrigation Planning and Preparation for Irrigation

Irrigation in Michigan Importance of Irrigation nationally and in Michigan – used with higher value crops Importance of Irrigation nationally and in Michigan – used with higher value crops Goal of irrigation is to minimize moisture stress and maximize crop quality while minimizing the effect on the environment and water resources Goal of irrigation is to minimize moisture stress and maximize crop quality while minimizing the effect on the environment and water resources Michigan is water rich, but is the driest state east of the Mississippi during July and August Michigan is water rich, but is the driest state east of the Mississippi during July and August Water is available to replenish aquifers and supply rivers and lakes during other parts of the year Water is available to replenish aquifers and supply rivers and lakes during other parts of the year The GAAMPs do not establish legal criteria to resolve water use conflicts or confer priority rights to water use The GAAMPs do not establish legal criteria to resolve water use conflicts or confer priority rights to water use

Irrigation in Michigan (con’t) Irrigation replaces water used by plants Irrigation replaces water used by plants Plants use water primarily for cooling Plants use water primarily for cooling Certain high value crops would not be grown in Michigan without irrigation Certain high value crops would not be grown in Michigan without irrigation High value crops provide added income in communities High value crops provide added income in communities Access to irrigation water is key to high value crop production and the ripple effect on the economy Access to irrigation water is key to high value crop production and the ripple effect on the economy

Relation to Other GAAMPS Manure Management GAAMPs recognize irrigation as a method of land application Manure Management GAAMPs recognize irrigation as a method of land application Nutrient Management GAAMPs recommends Nutrient Management GAAMPs recommends Don’t irrigate to completely fill the soil reservoir Don’t irrigate to completely fill the soil reservoir Use multiple applications of N-fertilizer Use multiple applications of N-fertilizer Recognizes fertigation offers special advantages Recognizes fertigation offers special advantages Special care when irrigating container grown plants to avoid leaching and runoff Special care when irrigating container grown plants to avoid leaching and runoff Pesticide Utilization GAAMPs Pesticide Utilization GAAMPs Recognizes chemigation as an accepted practice Recognizes chemigation as an accepted practice Recommends safety measures including backflow prevention devices Recommends safety measures including backflow prevention devices

Water Law and Ag Water Use Points out that P.A.83 of 1981 (the Right to Farm Act) provides farmers who follow GAAMPs with limited protection from nuisance suites. Points out that P.A.83 of 1981 (the Right to Farm Act) provides farmers who follow GAAMPs with limited protection from nuisance suites. Adherence to the Water Use GAAMPs does not provide a complete barrier against lawsuits. Adherence to the Water Use GAAMPs does not provide a complete barrier against lawsuits. Recommends that water users who are concerned about their rights, consult MSUE, NRCS, MDA, MDEQ, or an attorney versed in water law Recommends that water users who are concerned about their rights, consult MSUE, NRCS, MDA, MDEQ, or an attorney versed in water law

Planning and Preparation for Irrigation Water Supply Water Supply Plan to keep up with a water use of 0.25 in/day (approximately 5 gpm per acre) Plan to keep up with a water use of 0.25 in/day (approximately 5 gpm per acre) Some streams, lakes and wetlands may be sensitive to large withdrawals Some streams, lakes and wetlands may be sensitive to large withdrawals Groundwater removed for irrigation may reduce flow to these surface water bodies Groundwater removed for irrigation may reduce flow to these surface water bodies

Planning and Preparation for Irrigation Aquifer monitoring Aquifer monitoring Seek information before drilling to determine adequacy of the source Seek information before drilling to determine adequacy of the source In areas where there is known potential for impacting other wells, consider using monitoring wells In areas where there is known potential for impacting other wells, consider using monitoring wells Drill and pump a test well before installing a production well Drill and pump a test well before installing a production well Monitor levels in your irrigation well Monitor levels in your irrigation well To determine the effect on the aquifer To determine the effect on the aquifer To determine need for maintenance To determine need for maintenance Irrigation wells should be set up for monitoring the water level Irrigation wells should be set up for monitoring the water level Recommend three measurements per year Recommend three measurements per year Before the irrigation season Before the irrigation season In mid-season, both static and dynamic levels In mid-season, both static and dynamic levels After the end of the season After the end of the season Keep records on these measurements Keep records on these measurements

Questions and Discussion?