Irrigation Technology and Management Program — Technical Guides

Water is one of the most limited resources in agriculture. Across the West, drought, rising energy costs and environmental concerns are changing how irrigation is managed. This 10-part curriculum gives you the tools you need to conserve water, reduce energy use and save money.

Get started today by developing an irrigation water management plan.

Developing an irrigation water management plan

An irrigation water management plan helps producers apply the right amount of water at the right time and in the right place. This blueprint will help you develop an irrigation water management plan tailored to your farm or ranch.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin, Matthew Alongi, Abigail Tomasek | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Water rights and water law: Using your irrigation water legally

Understanding your water rights is the first step in using and managing your irrigation water legally.

Todd M. Peplin, María Isabel Zamora Re | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Irrigation and water quality

Monitoring the quality of irrigation water is vital for the health of the environment and the ability of the soil to produce abundant crops. It also helps growers comply with state and federal laws.

Abigail Tomasek, María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Soil-plant-water relationships

To understand irrigation, it helps to learn how water, soil, climate and plants interact. Learn how to determine your soil and crop water needs for optimal plant growth.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin, Abigail Tomasek | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog

Irrigation water: How it's delivered, how it's measured

To ensure your crop gets enough irrigation water, you need to understand how water is delivered to plants and how to measure it. Discover methods that can help you achieve optimal plant growth.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Irrigation technologies

In an era of water shortages, new irrigation technology is giving farmers new ways to conserve water while sustaining productivity. Learn about scheduling programs and tools that manage the timing and distribution of water.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Saving water and saving energy

Improving irrigation efficiency saves money and energy. Learn three strategies to improve efficiency in your operation.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Irrigation water scheduling

Applying too much or too little water is one of the most common irrigation challenges. But with basic field information and a few calculations, irrigators can greatly improve water-use efficiency.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin, Abigail Tomasek | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog

Soil moisture monitoring to support irrigation scheduling

Soil moisture monitoring involves measuring the amount of water stored within the crop root zone to support timely and efficient irrigation decisions. Learn how moisture data can help you improve your production.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin, Abigail Tomasek | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog

Inspecting and maintaining irrigation systems

Regular inspection of irrigation equipment allows producers to identify mechanical, hydraulic and electrical issues before they fail. Learn how to maintain the efficiency of your irrigation systems and prevent costly repairs.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Mar 2026

Author

María Isabel Zamora Re

Assistant Professor, Water Management/Statewide Irrigation Specialist

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Field crops, Pasture and forages, Irrigation

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Soil moisture monitoring to support irrigation scheduling

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin, Abigail Tomasek | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog

Inspecting and maintaining irrigation systems

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Irrigation water scheduling

Applying too much or too little water is one of the most common irrigation challenges. But with basic field information and a few calculations, irrigators can greatly improve water-use efficiency.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin, Abigail Tomasek | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog

Saving water and saving energy

Improving irrigation efficiency saves money and energy. Learn three strategies to improve efficiency in your operation.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Irrigation technologies

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Irrigation water: How it's delivered, how it's measured

To ensure your crop gets enough irrigation water, you need to understand how water is delivered to plants and how to measure it. Discover methods that can help you achieve optimal plant growth.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Soil-plant-water relationships

To understand irrigation, it helps to learn how water, soil, climate and plants interact. Learn how to determine your soil and crop water needs for optimal plant growth.

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin, Abigail Tomasek | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog

Irrigation and water quality

Monitoring the quality of irrigation water is vital for the health of the environment and the ability of the soil to produce abundant crops. It also helps growers comply with state and federal laws.

Abigail Tomasek, María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Water rights and water law: Using your irrigation water legally

Understanding your water rights is the first step in using and managing your irrigation water legally.

Todd M. Peplin, María Isabel Zamora Re | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Developing an irrigation water management plan

María Isabel Zamora Re, Todd M. Peplin, Matthew Alongi, Abigail Tomasek | Apr 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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