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Water Systems: Taking Care of a Precious Resource
These best practices for wells, ponds and other water systems can help you secure a safe, reliable water supply and help to ensure that we protect our streams, lakes and groundwater. This is one of a series of Rural ...
Estimating soil moisture by feel and appearance
This publication provides direction on estimating soil moisture by the "feel and appearance" method; taking a some soil and rolling it up in a ball then squeezing it between your thumb and forefinger to form a ribbon and noting how it appears and feels. Compare what you see with photographs and/or charts to estimate percent water available and the inches depleted below field capacity.
Low energy precision application (LEPA) and low elevation spray application (LESA) trials in the Pacific Northwest
LEPA and LESA are alterations on a center pivot where the sprinklers are moved much closer to the ground, the spacing between sprinklers is reduced (more sprinklers), and water is emitted at very low pressures. It saves water (18%), it saves energy (less water pumped and pumped at a lower pressure), and it helps growers get better yields especially in areas where water is limiting. However, it has an increased propensity for runoff, and the sprinklers operating below the top of the canopy can require some management changes. In many cases energy savings alone can pay for the increased costs of the additional sprinklers and drop hose. However, the largest profit potential lies in the ability to get improved yields in areas that are water short or have large water losses to wind drift and evaporation.
New analysis reveals challenges for drought management in Oregon’s Willamette River Basin
In Oregon’s Willamette River Basin, managing water scarcity would be more effective if conservation measures were introduced in advance and upstream from the locations where droughts are likely to cause shortages, according to a new study.
Sensor Sprayers for Specialty Crop Production
Sensor-controlled spray systems can help growers use fewer chemicals and less water while maintaining good pest control. Learn about the pros and cons of different types of sensor sprayers.
Bees, Seeds, and Water Beads
Central Oregon is a global mecca for vegetable seed. Learn how Oregon State research has crafted a unique balance between honeybees, pheromones, irrigation, and farming to grow vegetable seeds better than almost anywhere in the world.
Management of grapevine water status under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions
Information on vineyard water management, focusing on when to initiate irrigation.
Underground injection systems regulations
Regulations on federal and state underground injection systems are complex due to the variety of injection system designs, types, proposed uses, variation in the local site geology.
Traveling Big Gun Calibration Checklist
Checklist for calibrating a traveling big gun irrigation system.
Deficit irrigation of a diverse irrigated rotation: Jake Madison (Farmer-to-Farmer Case Study Series)
In this series, explore innovative approaches regional farmers are using that may increase their resilience in the face of a changing climate.