This publication is intended as a first step to help current and prospective irrigators understand the principles behind the irrigability of soils in North Dakota. This publication lists all the soils in the state with relevant properties and categorizes them as irrigable, conditional or nonirrigable.
The presence of salts and high water tables in North Dakota soils due to an extended climactic wet cycle recently has stimulated interest in the installation of tile drainage systems. The tile controls the water table and encourages the leaching and removal of salts from the soil above the tile lines. This improves soil productivity, culminating in improved crop yields
The purpose of this publication is to give tips on ways to reduce costs for your operation. By reducing the amount of energy you consume, you not only will be saving money, but also reducing possible pollution and reducing the consumption of nonrenewable resources.
This publication outlines and shows the Checkbook Method of irrigation scheduling.
Saline soils contain salts in great enough abundance that crop yields suffer and sometimes makes successful crop production impossible. This publication talks about testing your soil, salinity management, mapping, crop selection and tile drainage.
Installing an irrigation system on a piece of land requires a great deal of planning and a significant financial investment.
The four basic methods of irrigation are: subsurface irrigation (“subirrigation,” which uses tile drain lines), surface or gravity irrigation, trickle irrigation (also called drip irrigation) and sprinkler irrigation. Of the acres currently irrigated in North Dakota, more than 80 percent use some type of sprinkler
This publication defines sodicity and explains the effects it can have on crop production. There is information on the remediation of sodic soils, brine spills, and the importance of calcium amendment mixing.
Drainage pump stations are an expensive addition to a subsurface drainage project. This publication provides guidance on the design and location of drainage lift stations. This topic an be difficult to teach in typical Extension presentations, this publication provides more details.
