Computer software now available to producers can alleviate most of these tracking problems. PET water balance models are growing in use and function. PET software can track crop development, water input, and use, as well as soil moisture content. A computer program which performs those tasks, WinPET , is available from the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Lubbock. When addressing the production economics of a PET- irrigated farm, producers will see cost savings from decreased fuel consumption involved in pumping water.
Most producers tend to over-water.
With proper irrigation scheduling, the associated energy cost of over-watering can be avoided, which basic principles of economics tell us will give a higher net return per unit of production cost. Producers who are faced with declining well flows will benefit considerably by achieving maximum return on irrigation applied. When addressing the preservation of natural resources, producers will ensure that underground water will be available for future crops by avoiding unnecessary mining of the underlying aquifer. The adaptation of PET irrigation scheduling in today's climate of economic uncertainties and mandatory resource conservation requirements will undoubtedly be one of the underlying Best Management Practices necessary to result in sustainable irrigated agriculture. Flower 1.20 Grain development 1.15 Milk 1.10 Soft dough 0.90 Hard dough 0.70 Phys.