Open PRAIRIE: Open Public Research Access Institutional Repository and Information Exchange
Abstract
In South Dakota, average annual precipitation ranges from less than 13 inches to nearly 30 inches, generally increasing from west to east (fig. 6.1). However, all regions of South Dakota can experience drought. Irrigation can reduce a crop’s dependence on natural rainfall and improve yields. To best capitalize on investment in irrigation equipment, it has been suggested that one should increase plant populations on irrigated land by 2,000 to 3,000 plants per acre (Aldrich et al. 1975). This chapter discusses how much irrigation water to apply and how to manage the salts contained in the water. If you are planning a new system or expanding an existing system, equipment and management options should be discussed with your local irrigation equipment dealer or Extension educator. A permit may be required to irrigate in South Dakota. For permit requirements, contact the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
