Project Number: 5436-13210-003-03
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Jun 09, 2003
End Date: Dec 31, 2007

Objective:
The objective of this agreement is to ensure the development of critical research information on irrigated cropping systems by the cooperative installation, deployment, and use of precision, self-propelled linear move irrigation systems. In addition, the linear move irrigation systems will be used to develop and test precision water and chemical application systems and to assess their use high value irrigated cropping production systems and their role in improving water and soil quality and ecologically-sound pest management practices and technologies. Specific objectives are: 1) to develop irrigation management and cultural practices that promote water use efficiency, reduce negative effects of soil compaction, and enhance environmental benefits; 2) to develop farming practices that minimize soil disturbance and compaction essential for maintaining soil structure and eliminating the need for expensive post-harvest soil treatments, and 3) to examine the interaction between irrigation methods, crop rotations, and tillage on yields, pest problems and soil water movement.

Approach:
The Agricultural Systems Research Unit, Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS and the MSU Agricultural Experiment Station through the Eastern Agricultural Research Center (EARC), 1501 N. Central Avenue, Sidney, Montana will cooperatively maintain and utilize lateral-move irrigation systems on EARC land to jointly develop irrigated cropping systems research to provide innovative and credible solutions that enhance soil and water quality, conserve natural resources, and reduce producer¿s dependence on agrochemicals. ARS will conduct the development of precision irrigation hardware/software and conduct irrigation and soil management aspects of the research and Montana State University will conduct agronomic components of the research. The focus will be on assessing the environmental impacts of cultural practices and improved management of water, nutrient and chemical applications in irrigated cropping systems. This effort will be directed towards various sugar beet rotations commonly used in the region.

Project Team

Evans, Robert Jerald Bergman - Superintendent/Professor Of Agronomy 406-433-9496

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Water Quality & Management (201)   Soil Resource Management (202)