Delayed irrigation is more feasible with center pivots than with furrow irrigation. In furrow irrigation, dry and cracked furrows do not convey water well, especially during the first irrigation. A combination of furrow packing during the ridging operation, surge irrigation, and increased stream size may overcome some of the effects of late initiation of furrow irrigation. Managing soil moisture to capture precipitation is important for all limited irrigation situations. Crop residues on the soil surface intercept rainfall and snow, enhance infiltration, and reduce soil evaporation.
Residue management is much easier with center pivot irrigation than with furrow irrigation.
Advancing water down a furrow may be more difficult with high residue levels. Ridge-till management along with furrow packing and surge irrigation may overcome some of these problems. Leaving room in the soil to store precipitation is important during both the non-growing season and during the growing season, when it can help ensure more water is available during grain fill. With limited irrigation there is an increased risk of crop water stress and grain yield reductions. Knowing soil water levels can indicate the potential severity of water stress and help the producer avoid a disaster.