Panhandle AgriPartners On-Farm Demonstrations Enhance Technology Transfer

Issue: The problem is getting Panhandle producers to adopt improved technology and irrigation practices so pumping is reduced and water (rainfall and irrigation) is used as efficiently as possible to enhance water conservation and utilization, and to produce crops profitably, thus benefiting producers, the agricultural economy, and the environment.

What has been done/discovered: Panhandle AgriPartners is working with 50 producers to conduct irrigated on-farm demonstrations and applied research with major Panhandle crops using locally generated Evapotranspiration (ET) predictive model technology (North Plains Evapotranspiration Network, NPET) for irrigation scheduling, so that irrigation water is applied in response to plant needs. Irrigation is applied to crops using the improved low pressure pivots, LEPA (Low Energy Precision Applicator), and drip irrigation systems to maximize application efficiencies. Texas A&M Extension and Experiment Station Scientists and Agricultural Engineers work directly with producers in developing irrigation, cropping, and management strategies to efficiently use water, land, equipment, and human resources for maximum benefit and profit congruent with conservation of natural resources (soil and water). As neighbors observe the excellent crop production with less pumping, less tillage, less insect control, and more profit; the improved technology is being adopted.

Impact: Lowering water tables and increasing pumping and production costs are resulting in the rapid adoption of improved irrigation equipment and water management technology for crop production. Widespread on-farm demonstrations of the improved technology is furthering this effort, resulting in reduced pumping, increased reliance on precipitation as the primary source of water for crops, and conservation of both soil and water resources.

Funding Sources: Texas A&M Precision Agriculture Initiative, Extension Soil and Water Conservation Grant, PROFIT Legislative Initiative, Texas Wheat Producers Board, Texas Corn Producers Board, Cotton Inc., Texas Soybean Board.

Contact:
Bob Robinson
District Director, Panhandle District
Research & Extension Center - Amarillo-Bushland-Etter
Texas A&M Agriculture Program
Phone: 806-677-5600
Fax: 806-677-5644
R-Robinson3@tamu.edu
http://amarillo2.tamu.edu