Author(s): Clara Anderson
Mentor(s): Dean Winward, Matt Yost
Institution SUU
Irrigation water is one of the most valuable and important resources in agriculture. Finding ways to optimize its use is vital to improving the efficiency and profitability of crops. Many studies have shown that using different irrigation systems can contribute to increasing water efficiency. This study examines four types of sprinkler packages used to irrigate various field crops, including alfalfa, small grains, and corn, to determine their effectiveness in optimizing water use. Three advanced irrigation packages, which included: low energy precision application (LEPA), low-elevation spray application (LESA), and low elevation Nelson application (LENA) nozzles were compared to the conventional mid-elevation spray application (MESA) nozzles. Harvests of sample plots were taken at various times throughout the growing season and analyzed for crop yield and quality. Data from soil moisture sensors were also used to examine the state of the soil within plots. Through field trials and data analysis, the effectiveness of these nozzles was evaluated. Results indicate that the LENA, LESA, and LEPA nozzles were typically more effective than the MESA nozzles in increasing crop yields. This study highlights the importance of using the most effective technology available to help increase the efficient use of water and how it can be implemented to improve agricultural yields. This study was conducted with the Utah State University Plant and Soil Science Department at the Southern Utah University farm.