Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency in California - A Commentary

This is a Commentary on some of the key points that are presented in “More with Less: Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency in California” by Cooley, ChristianSmith, and Gleick of the Pacific Institute, September 2008 (referred to as the “PacInst Paper” in the remainder of this discussion). The authors of this Commentary have over 120 years combined of experience in agricultural and landscape irrigation. They have worked world-wide in design and installation of all types of irrigation systems (including automated drip systems from 1975 on), design and implementation of irrigation scheduling programs since 1977; design and implementation of water conservation programs at state, water district, and farm levels; teaching programs regarding water-related energy efficiency in both university and extension environments; and basic and applied research. Summary biographies are attached at the end of this discussio

Understanding Soil Erosion in Irrigated Agriculture

A soil's physical and chemical properties determine whether it is vulnerable to erosion, which can reduce soil quality and cause other problems besides. Learn the basics of identifying what type of erosion is affecting your land and what's causing it

Understanding Soil Erosion in Irrigated Agriculture

A soil's physical and chemical properties determine whether it is vulnerable to erosion, which can reduce soil quality and cause other problems besides. Learn the basics of identifying what type of erosion is affecting your land and what's causing it

Controlling Offsite Movement of Agricultural Chemical Residues: Walnuts

This publication will help walnut growers reduce offsite movement of pesticides in surface water. Covered is the current regulatory approach to surface water protection; background information on the safe and effective use of pesticides, integrated pest management, and handling runoff water. Included are flowcharts for specific management practices and orchard conditions that can help you undertake a self-assessment of the potential risk of offsite movement. When followed systematically from beginning to end, the flowcharts will guide you through a step-by-step evaluation of your operation to identify potential problem areas. After completing the self assessment you can understand and implement management practices to address problem areas

Controlling Offsite Movement of Agricultural Chemical Residues: Walnuts

This publication will help walnut growers reduce offsite movement of pesticides in surface water. Covered is the current regulatory approach to surface water protection; background information on the safe and effective use of pesticides, integrated pest management, and handling runoff water. Included are flowcharts for specific management practices and orchard conditions that can help you undertake a self-assessment of the potential risk of offsite movement. When followed systematically from beginning to end, the flowcharts will guide you through a step-by-step evaluation of your operation to identify potential problem areas. After completing the self assessment you can understand and implement management practices to address problem areas

Reducing Runoff from Irrigated Lands: Storing Runoff from Winter Rains

This publication discusses the variables and feasibility of storage of winter rainwater in order to avoid impact by the Irrigated Lands Conditional Waiver under the California State Water Code

Reducing Runoff from Irrigated Lands: Managing Existing Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

If you experience runoff from an existing sprinkler-irrigated orchard, changing the design and set-up of the sprinkler system, the management of the sprinkler system, or the management of the orchard floor may reduce the amount

Reducing Runoff from Irrigated Lands: Tailwater Return Systems

Excess irrigation water that runs off a farm field (“tailwater”) is regulated by California law, since it may be carrying sediments, nutrients, and agricultural chemicals. Learn about options for safely recycling tailwater back into your farm operation

Reducing Runoff from Irrigated Lands: Measuring Irrigation Flows in a Pipeline

Minimizing the application of excess water requires knowing when and how much water to apply. Flow measurement is most easily done in a pipeline; this publication describes the four most commonly used flowmeters, their maintenance, and uses

Measuring Applied Water in Surface-Irrigated Orchards

A helpful guide on reducing agricultural runoff from irrigated properties caused by irrigation practices or winter rainfall