Context: (10) Irrigation economics. Make sure irrigation will pay. Think in terms of increasing your average net income per acre after you have covered the additional irrigation related bills. To receive good outcomes, expect to provide good estimates of increased fixed and variable costs. Figuring this out in advance of the investment is detailed, but is well worth the time. An excellent tool to assist in evaluating the economic feasibility of a proposed project is the "Capital Investment Model" developed by MSU Educator xxxxx xxxx.

Question: What should I make sure of when calculating irrigation profits?

Answer: increasing your average net income per acre after you have covered the additional irrigation related bills

Kelley, L. (2022). Irrigation Fact Sheet #11- Checklist for Planning Irrigation Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/irrigation/upoads/files/11ChecklistForPlanningIrrigationSystems08.22.pdf


Context: Determining the irrigation application rate is part of the planning process for new irrigation systems. It is measured by the average irrigation application rate from a particular point along the machine and is expressed as inches per hour. To determine application rate divide the amount of water applied by the elapsed time (from the first drop of water landing at a point in the field to the last drop hitting the point).

Question: How is the irrigation application rate measured?

Answer: divide the amount of water applied by the elapsed time (from the first drop of water landing at a point in the field to the last drop hitting the point)

Kelley, L. (2014). Irrigation Fact Sheet #7- Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff.Instantaneous irrigation application rates compared to soil infiltration rates. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/7_ReducingAndEvalRunoff.pdf


Context: Instructions for completing the Evaluating Potential Irrigation Runoff Form. (4) Center pivots'Starting at the pivot point and progressing to the furthest reaches of the machine, pace or measure 50-foot increments along that line to identify observation points, or identify three equally spaced observation points under each span. Solid set or travelers'Start at one edge of the wetted area and progress to the opposite side, pace or measure 50-foot increments along that line to identify observation points.

Question: What is the fourth step in completing the Evaluating Potential Irrigation Runoff Form?

Answer: Center pivots'Starting at the pivot point and progressing to the furthest reaches of the machine, pace or measure 50-foot increments along that line to identify observation points, or identify three equally spaced observation points under each span. Solid set or travelers'Start at one edge of the wetted area and progress to the opposite side, pace or measure 50-foot increments along that line to identify observation points

Kelley, L. (2014b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #13 - Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/43605/FactSheets/13_ReducingAndEvaluatingIrrigationRunoff_5-9-14.pdf


Context: (11) Crop rotation and tillage preferences. Among the traditional crops, commercial corn and alfalfa have shown the greatest economic advantage to irrigation. Small grains and soybeans have offered some of the lowest returns from added investment in irrigation. Changes in crop rotations often result from adding irrigation. Although it is not always the case, a smaller proportion of irrigated fields are managed using no till systems then non-irrigated fields. Excessive corn residue produced on irrigated fields might be part of the reason.

Question: What causes changes in crop rotations?

Answer: adding irrigation

Kelley, L. (2022). Irrigation Fact Sheet #11- Checklist for Planning Irrigation Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/irrigation/upoads/files/11ChecklistForPlanningIrrigationSystems08.22.pdf


Context: Table 1. Example corn yield loss estimates when stress occurs for four or more consecutive days. Adapted from Classen and Shaw, 1970; Rhoads and Bennet, 1990; and Shaw, 1988.  The Corn Development stage known as early vegetative (VE - V12) has an estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 1-3. The Corn Development stage known as Late vegetative (V12 to VT) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 2-5. The Corn Development stage known as Pollination to Blister (R2) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 3-9. The Corn Development stage known as Milk (R3) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 3-6. The Corn Development stage known as Dough (R4) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 3-5. The Corn Development stage known as Dent (R5) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 2-4. The Corn Development stage known as Maturity (R6) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 0.

Question: What is the first development stage of corn?

Answer: early vegetative (VE - V12)

Iowa State University. (2023). How Drought Affects Corn & Soybean Growth & Yield. https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/12564-how-drought-affects-corn-and-soybean-growth-and-yield


Context: In some situations producers may choose to dribble or broadcast nitrogen on the field by air or Hi- tractor and use the irrigation to incorporate the Nitrogen if dry weather follows. This technique is quick, requiring no irrigation equipment modification, but is dependent on the availability of aerial applicators or in row high clearance application equipment. Detailed information on injection pumps, backflow protection, safety interlocks, and procedures for calibrating an injection system is available in bulletin E-2099 available from the Michigan State University Extension bulletin system or electronically at the irrigation section of the St. Joseph County MSU Extension web page.

Question: Is the irrigation process to incorporate nitrogen in my field lengthy?

Answer: This technique is quick

Kelley, L. (2013b). Last chance nitrogen application with irrigation - MSU Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/last_chance_nitrogen_application_with_irrigation


Context: Knowing the actual amount of fertilizer the equipment will inject is essential. It is also important to know that the system applies water uniformly across the field. Center pivot systems of good design and repair will have uniformity co-efficient of greater than 85%. Many systems have uniformity co-efficient in the 70 to 75% range allowing the misapplication of a quarter of the water and fertilizer going through them.

Question: What is the uniformity co-efficient of most systems?

Answer: 70 to 75% range

Kelley, L. (2013). Irrigation Fact Sheet #12 - Nitrogen Application with Irrigation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/12_NitrogenApplicationWithIrrigationFact_Sheet.pdf


Context: Act PA 148 established state-wide groundwater mapping and water use reporting. This law created a groundwater resource map of the state and establishes a groundwater advisory committee to direct groundwater protection efforts in the future. The MDA will assemble township-based reports annually and forward them to the MDEQ.

Question: What does the MDA assemble?

Answer: township-based reports

Kelley, L. (2009c). Irrigation Fact Sheet #9 - Michigan Large Volume Water Use Requirements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/9largewaterwith.pdf


Context: Question: How you can tell that the system is working? Excerpt: There are several ways to verify that your drip irrigation system is working:Check for moisture or wetted area at the surface of the soil directly below a dripper and around the base of the plant .If the drippers are subsurface connect micro tubing to the dripline at any location (ideally at the end of the line) and raise it to the surface. At the end of the microtubing installed a dripper and use it as a point source dripper to check if the system is operating.Monitor the flow at your water meter.Check the control valve via the manual external bleed.

Question: What should I do if the drippers are subsurface?

Answer: connect micro tubing to the dripline

DIG Corp. (2024). Drip Irrigation FAQ’s. https://www.digcorp.com/drip-irrigation-faqs/


Context: Michigan's 2006 water use legislation limited large volume water use to prevent an adverse resource impacted would be expected. 2008 water use legislation added a limit of no greater than 25% of a watersheds index flow (defined as the median average August flow) could be used by large volume water users. Developments of a screening tool to estimate each watershed low summer stream flow and the potential impact by large volume water use was started in late 2006 with release late 2008. The screening tool estimates how much water can be used in each watershed in Michigan without causing a detrimental effect to characteristic fish populations in the watershed. Michigan's Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool is available for use online.

Question: Why can only 25% of a watershed's index flow be used by large volume water users?

Answer: defined as the median average August flow

Kelley, L. (2009c). Irrigation Fact Sheet #9 - Michigan Large Volume Water Use Requirements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/9largewaterwith.pdf


Context: Average dry land and irrigated rent values can be used along with the rent surveys and other rent data from the area to create a base value which we can then adjust. To gain perspective on the potential increase in profit we often calculate the estimated cost of the irrigation investment (DIRTI formula) and add it to the dry land rent value to create the low end rent value. The high end rent value can be estimated by looking at the total irrigation investment cost, subtracting the portion of the irrigation investment annual cost that the landowner did not provide, from the irrigated land rent value.

Question: How can the high end rent value be calculated?

Answer: by looking at the total irrigation investment cost, subtracting the portion of the irrigation investment annual cost that the landowner did not provide, from the irrigated land rent value

Kelley, L. (2007b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #5 - Estimating Annual Irrigation Costs. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/irrigation_costs/5_Estimating_Annual_Irrigation_Costs.pdf


Context: Effects on corn during grain fill: During grain fill drought stress results in premature death of leaf tissue, shortened grain fill periods, increased lodging, fewer kernels, and light kernel weights. Kernel abortion near the ear tip will occur in the two weeks following pollination. Continued drought into the milk stage will result in further kernel abortion and smaller, lighter kernels. Drought that occurs in the mid to late grain filling period (milk, dough, and dent stages) results in decreased kernel weights and premature physiological maturity. Once physiological maturity occurs additional drought stress will have no impact on grain yield. Because drought stress typically coincides with higher than normal temperatures the grain fill period is often reduced.

Question: When does additional drought stress have no impact on grain yield for corn?

Answer: Once physiological maturity occurs

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Context: Permanent improvements. A repayment schedule may be included in the agreement for the recovery of investment dollars not recouped if early termination of the agreement is required. An annual cost of permanent improvements to the land needed for irrigation can be found by amortizing the dollar investment over the period of the contract at the current interest rate. The annual cost may be added to the dry land rent rate plus an additional opportunity cost representing the added income opportunity with irrigation to compensate landowner for permanent improvements to the land needed for irrigation.

Question: At what rate should the annual cost of permanent improvements to the land needed for irrigation be amortized?

Answer: at the current interest rate

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #6 - Irrigation Aspects of Land Lease Agreements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/LandRent.pdf


Context: (3) Service pump engines and inspect all fluid levels: Pumps run for hours without operator presence, and even small oil or coolant leaks can result in damage. Inspect belts, batteries and recharge system. Look carefully for rodent damage and insect nests that may result in malfunction later. Inspect pump murphy switches or safety shut-down systems or install them if you do not have them. Adding low oil and high temperature shut downs can avoid burning up your engine.

Question: Do pumps need an operator present?

Answer: Pumps run for hours without operator presence

Kelley, L. (2017). Irrigation Fact Sheet #15 - Irrigation Inspection and Repair. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/factsheets/15_Irriation_Inspection_and_Repair_v2_4.21.17.pdf


Context: Flow meters are mechanisms installed in or on the main distribution pipe of the water supply. The actual flow is measured by impeller or sonar. Flow meters have the advantage of simplicity as meters and can be read monthly and recorded. The disadvantage to flow meters is cost and maintenance. To maintain accuracy meters need to be calibrated at least annually. Meters need to be installed in a straight section of pipe at a point in the transport pipe where all of the water used must pass.

Question: Why are meters calibrated annually?

Answer: To maintain accuracy

Kelley, L. (2014a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #7- Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff.Instantaneous irrigation application rates compared to soil infiltration rates. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/7_ReducingAndEvalRunoff.pdf


Context: Irrigation Fact Sheet # 2: Instantaneous Rates. The soils infiltration rate is the rate water can enter the soils surface. Michigan soils have infiltration rates from a high of 1 inch/2 hour to, as little as 20 minutes per inch. Heavier soils such as clay and clay loam will take water in at a slower rate than sands and sandy loams. Estimates for water infiltration rates into soil types, may be found in the "physical and chemical properties of soils" section of the soil survey for your county.

Question: What is the minimum soil infiltration rate in Michigan?

Answer: 20 minutes per inch

Kelley, L. (2007a). Irrigation Fact Sheet # 2 - Irrigation Application Instantaneous Rates. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/2_IrrigationApplicationRates1.30.pdf


Context: Permanent improvements. The annual cost of permanent improvements made by lessee should be viewed as additional income above lease rate by landowners. Wells are always the property of the landowner of the land they are constructed on but many of the other items associated with the irrigation system may be recoverable or moved by the lessee at the end of the agreement. For this reason it is important to list the land improvements in their entirety and include the handling of the item at the termination of the agreement. If the improvement left by the lessee are all but the pivot or distribution system the landowner has a clean separation at the end of the agreement period if needed, with less potential problem locating another lessee to irrigate the farm allowing the landowner to recoup the investment in land improvements.

Question: What is always considered to be the property of landowners?

Answer: Wells

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #6 - Irrigation Aspects of Land Lease Agreements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/LandRent.pdf


Context: P.A. 33 of 2006 amended Michigan's Natural Resources Protection Act as part 327 of 451. Changes included:  (b) Baseline Capacity (Rated Capacity): Producers have a one-time option to report, as part of their 2006 water use report, the available capacity of a system to withdrawal water to establish a "Baseline Capacity". The baseline capacity of the system should be reported as pump capacity in gal/min. along with a pump and system description which is compatible with the well log. Baseline capacity applies to both wells and surface water withdrawals. Please note: You should report this baseline capacity value on the water use reporting form on the line listed as "Rated Capacity".

Question: Where should you report this baseline capacity value?

Answer: on the water use reporting form on the line listed as "Rated Capacity

Kelley, L., Miller, S., & Loudon, T. (2006). Irrigation Fact Sheet #1- Agricultural Water Use Reporting for 2006 Changes in Water Use Regulation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/1_AgWaterUseReporting11-29-06.pdf


Context: (2) Ground water availability. Irrigation is not profitable without a reliable and adequate source of water. Nearby large volume irrigation, municipal or industrial wells are an excellent source of water availability. Well drillers familiar with large volume wells in your area are also excellent resources. Michigan has available groundwater mapping tools that can help evaluate potential water withdrawal sites.

Question: What do groundwater mapping tools do?

Answer: help evaluate potential water withdrawal sites

Kelley, L. (2013). Irrigation Fact Sheet #12 - Nitrogen Application with Irrigation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/12_NitrogenApplicationWithIrrigationFact_Sheet.pdf


Question: When are things associated with the irrigation system considered to be recoverable or moved by the lessee?

Answer: at the end of the agreement

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #6 - Irrigation Aspects of Land Lease Agreements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/LandRent.pdf


Context: Infiltration rate decreases with increased wetting time. Therefore, the amount of water applied during each application affects the fraction of water that enters the soil and the fraction of runoff. Small pockets and depressions in the soil surface hold a volume of water at that location until the soil surface receives the water. Midseason cultivation or in-row soil surface modification (i.e. dammer/diker) increases the surface storage.

Question: What affects the fraction of water that enters the soil and the fraction of runoff?

Answer: the amount of water applied during each application

Kelley, L. (2014a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #7- Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff.Instantaneous irrigation application rates compared to soil infiltration rates. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/7_ReducingAndEvalRunoff.pdf


Context: Instructions for Measuring Instantaneous Irrigation Application Rates: (1) Identify the areas of the irrigated system that has the application rate. (Fastest travel or shortest application time, further watered point from center not affected by the end gun on center pivots). (2) With the machine running at a known rate flag the point just ahead of the wetted front. (3) Record the amount of time in minutes and seconds from the first splash of water to hit the flag till the last splash, as the machine passes. (4) Convert your application to minute per one inch application. Example -- 20 minute to apply 0.4 inches of water = 50 minute/inch of irrigation

Question: What is the value of the instantaneous irrigation application rate if you apply 0.4 inches of water for 20 minutes?

Answer: 50 minute/inch of irrigation

Kelley, L. (2007a). Irrigation Fact Sheet # 2 - Irrigation Application Instantaneous Rates. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/2_IrrigationApplicationRates1.30.pdf


Context: Land rent pricing: Establishment of irrigated rental value is relatively straight forward when all of the irrigation equipment and water supply is the landowners. Average current rent value is available from State and Federal Agricultural Statistic Services or your Agricultural Economics Department from your States Extension service. Talking to neighbors that rent irrigated land is one of the best ways to get a feel for irrigated rental value. Land rent auction can also be used to establish rent value but a solid structure for the process is necessary.

Question: Where can average current rent value be found?

Answer: State and Federal Agricultural Statistic Services

Kelley, L., Miller, S., & Loudon, T. (2006). Irrigation Fact Sheet #1- Agricultural Water Use Reporting for 2006 Changes in Water Use Regulation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/1_AgWaterUseReporting11-29-06.pdf


Context: (17) Stop barricades: Pivots that make partial circles often use stop barricades at the edge of the water area. Check stops for integrity, making sure that the height is still appropriate for the machine s turnoff mechanism. Manually operate the turn off arms on the pivot to make sure that they are functioning. Newer style stop barricades are designed to catch and spin the tire against the barricade allowing the safety system to shut the pivot down as a backup safety system.

Question: What kind of backup safety system do the newer stop barricades offer?

Answer: catch and spin the tire

Kelley, L. (2017). Irrigation Fact Sheet #15 - Irrigation Inspection and Repair. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/factsheets/15_Irriation_Inspection_and_Repair_v2_4.21.17.pdf


Context: Plant transpiration increases as corn leaf area increases. Transpiration is the mechanism by which water moves from the soil through the plant into the atmosphere. The greatest water demand for corn occurs from the late vegetative stages through the blister stage and for soybean from the early pod set through the mid seed fill stages. In other words, the greatest demand for transpiration occurs during periods of rapid growth.

Question: When does the greatest water demand for soybean occur?

Answer: from the early pod set through the mid seed fill stages

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Context: (1) Enviroweather: computes daily estimate of potential E.T. and projects E.T. demands for 7 days at each of the 58 strategically located weather stations in Michigan calculating crop E.T. using wind, relative humidity, and net solar radiation in addition to temperature to estimate crop E.T. demands. Pick the station nearest to you, and then click on one of the categories listed near the top of the screen (eg. Field crops, Fruit), then click on Potential Evapotranspiration. For corn and soybeans clicking the Crop ET Estimate button then entering the emergences date allowing tracking crop ET as the crop develops. A free service of Enviroweather Network sends daily reports of ET from the previous 4 days and projected values for the next week by text or E-mail to producers that signed up.

Question: Which US state is the Enviroweather tool appropriate for?

Answer: Michigan

Kelley, L., & Miller, S. (2019). Irrigation Fact Sheet #3 - Irrigation Scheduling Tools. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/43605/FactSheets/3_IrrigationSchedulingTools5.14.pdf


Context: (9) Check solid set system coverage patterns: Coverage from a solid set system is dependent on each individual sprinkler. Inspect the coverage after bringing the system to designed pressure. Visual inspection of each sprinkler while running will often find the major problems. Comparing pressure reading from sprinklers furthest from the source to the design specification will often indicate hidden leaks or under supplied systems.

Question: What is yet another thing you should do when inspecting or repairing your irrigation system?

Answer: Check solid set system coverage patterns

Kelley, L. (2017). Irrigation Fact Sheet #15 - Irrigation Inspection and Repair. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/factsheets/15_Irriation_Inspection_and_Repair_v2_4.21.17.pdf


Context: Irrigation systems need to be able to replace the typical water use of the plant during a prolonged dry period. System costs increase as capacity increases. Typically water sources capable of 400 to 1200 gallons per minute are used to supply irrigation water.Systems designed to apply 0.25 inch per day (5 gallons/minute/acre of irrigation) can provide adequate water in all but the most extreme situations.

Question: What is the expectation of irrigation systems when the typical water use must be replaced?

Answer: replace the typical water use of the plant during a prolonged dry period

Kelley, L. (2007b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #5 - Estimating Annual Irrigation Costs. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/irrigation_costs/5_Estimating_Annual_Irrigation_Costs.pdf


Question: What happens when additional drought occurs during physiological maturity of corn?

Answer: drought stress will have no impact on grain yield. Because drought stress typically coincides with higher than normal temperatures the grain fill period is often reduced.

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Question: Does infiltration time increase or decrease as wetting time increases?

Answer: decreases

Kelley, L. (2014a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #7- Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff.Instantaneous irrigation application rates compared to soil infiltration rates. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/7_ReducingAndEvalRunoff.pdf


Context: Corn management and yield loss: Management depends on the remaining yield potential. Each field provides a unique combination of soil, management, hybrid, and water supply so not all the fields will have the same yield reduction. After pollination a key is to determine how successful pollination was; that is how many kernels per ear were attained. This can be determined by performing a shake test to see if silks are still attached to the ovules (unfertilized kernels); silks will easily drop from fertilized ovules (kernels). Or wait until seven to ten days after pollination when the ear is in the blister stage (plump kernels with watery liquid inside) to see how many kernels are expanding.

Question: What depends on the remaining yield potential of corn?

Answer: Corn management

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Question: Why is it important to list the land improvements in their entirety at the termination of the agreement?

Answer: other items associated with the irrigation system may be recoverable or moved by the lessee at the end of the agreement

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #6 - Irrigation Aspects of Land Lease Agreements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/LandRent.pdf


Context: Question: How do the drippers work? Excerpt: Drippers are the heart of any drip irrigation system, the conventional 'sprinkler head' if you will. DIG drippers help to deliver the precise amount of water required to the plant's root zone. They are inexpensive, easy to install, reliable and accurate. They may be inserted directly into 1/2 in. poly tubing or extended to the plant with 1/4 in. microtubing. DIG drippers incorporate three different characteristics: pressure compensating, adjustable flow and turbulent flow drippers.Pressure Compensating Drippers'are self-cleaning and utilize a silicone diaphragm, which moves up and down as pressure fluctuates to control the flow. The drippers are designed for long life under the harshest conditions. Ideal use for a PC dripper is in any design when attention to the number of drippers and the total flow capacity of the drip tubing are not followed.Turbulent flow, or button drippers'allow water to move rapidly in irregular random motions. Turbulent flow drippers regulate water flow by dissipating energy in friction against the walls of the water passage. Button drippers are available in flow rates of .5, 1 and 2 GPH at 25 PSI and have extra large water passages to prevent clogging.Adjustable drippers'allow the installer to change the flow for each individual plant. Twisting the dial on the dripper counter clockwise to increase or clockwise to decrease to adjust the flow between 1 GPH and 11 GPH.

Question: How do you decrease the flow of an adjustable dripper?

Answer: clockwise

DIG Corp. (2024). Drip Irrigation FAQ’s. https://www.digcorp.com/drip-irrigation-faqs/


Context: Late season applications are lowered as crop water use declines with increasing crop maturity. At the dent stage of development, corn water use can be as little as 0.15 inches per day on a 75 degree day. The chance of receiving rainfall increases during this portion of the growing season. Applications of 0.75 inches at the beginning of this period may quickly decline to 0.50 inch as the crop nears black layer or maturity.

Question: When does the chance of receiving rainfall increase?

Answer: Late season

Kelley, L. (2013a). Efficient irrigation application volumes change throughout crop development. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/efficient_irrigation_application_volumes_change_throughout_crop_development


Context: Option to purchase the farm in future: Seek professional help. A lawyer that works with land rental could advise you how to add these sections to your lease agreement

Question: Who could help advise me on how to modify my lease agreement?

Answer: A lawyer that works with land rental

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #6 - Irrigation Aspects of Land Lease Agreements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/LandRent.pdf


Context: Annual operating cost will include an estimate of energy cost and labor attributable to the average operation of the equipment. For calculation purposes an annual use of six one inch applications of irrigation was used. A greater number of small applications will favor systems that have low labor costs, where a smaller number of large applications would favor system with high labor and low investment attributes. Systems with low energy cost primarily from low pumping cost are favored by higher total annual use where low initial cost often compensate for higher energy cost if a low total volume of water is applied annually.

Question: What kinds of systems have a low pumping cost?

Answer: Systems with low energy cost

Kelley, L., & Miller, S. (2019). Irrigation Fact Sheet #3 - Irrigation Scheduling Tools. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/43605/FactSheets/3_IrrigationSchedulingTools5.14.pdf


Context: Baseline Capacity (Rated Capacity): The registration process establishes a "Baseline Capacity" based on the available withdrawal capacity of a system. The baseline capacity of the system should be reported as pump capacity in gal/min. along with a pump and system description which is compatible with the well log. Baseline capacity applies to both wells and surface water withdrawals. Please note: You should report this baseline capacity value on the registration form on the line listed as "Rated Capacity".

Question: What should baseline capacity be reported with?

Answer: along with a pump and system description

Kelley, L., Miller, S., & Loudon, T. (2006). Irrigation Fact Sheet #1- Agricultural Water Use Reporting for 2006 Changes in Water Use Regulation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/1_AgWaterUseReporting11-29-06.pdf


Context: Question: How often should I run my system? Excerpt: Individual circumstances will vary, however, the Co-op Extension recommends watering more deeply, less often.' A general rule is 2 - 3 times per week instead of every day.

Question: How often should I run my system?

Answer: 2 - 3 times per week

Carolina Irrigation. (2024). FAQ | Carolina Irrigation | Residential & Commercial Irrigation Experts Since 1999. https://www.carolinairrigation.net/faq


Context: The infiltration rate is the rate water can enter the soil surface. Michigan soils have infiltration rates from a high of 1 inch/2 hour to, as little as 20 minutes per inch. Heavier soils such as clay and clay loam will take water in at a slower rate than sands and sandy loams. Tillage method and surface compaction since a tillage operation affects infiltration rate. Conservation tillage and no-till result in the highest infiltration rate while disc and moldboard tillage result in the lowest rates, particularly after several wetting events. Estimates for water infiltration rates are included in the "physical and chemical properties of soils" section of the soil survey for your county.

Question: What kind of infiltration to conservation tillage and no-till result in?

Answer: the highest infiltration rate

Kelley, L. (2014b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #13 - Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/43605/FactSheets/13_ReducingAndEvaluatingIrrigationRunoff_5-9-14.pdf


Context: How to Get More Out of Your Irrigation System: (8) Consider fertigation to apply at least part of the nitrogen budgeted for the year. Split nitrogen applications reduce potential of early season loss during wet periods. Fertigation allows nitrogen application right when maximum nitrogen is used by the crop, with low labor and fuel use and no compaction of the soil. Make sure the system application is uniform and correct backflow safety valves and safety shut-downs are in place to protect the water supply for you and the neighbors.

Question: What does fertigation allow for?

Answer: nitrogen application right when maximum nitrogen is used by the crop, with low labor and fuel use and no compaction of the soil

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #8 - How to Get More from your Irrigation System. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/HGMIrrSys.pdf


Context: If pollination is good, manage the field as normal. If pollination is poor, those kernels will develop normally with reduced yield potential. These field may be considered for forage or silage harvest. If there is no pollination, there are two options; (1) harvest as near to pollination as possible for the highest quality forage possible or (2) leave the crop as a living cover crop until the fall before mowing or chopping. Continual leaf rolling of the plant in the weeks leading up to pollination can result in a yield loss of 1-5 percent per day. During pollen shed and silking severe stress can reduce yields by up to nine percent per day. In the weeks following pollination drought stress can reduce yield by up to six percent per day.

Question: What should I do if pollination is poor?

Answer: those kernels will develop normally with reduced yield potential

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Context: Among the traditional crops, commercial corn and alfalfa have shown the greatest economic advantage to irrigation. Small grains and soybeans have offered some of the lowest returns from added investment in irrigation. Changes in crop rotations often result from adding irrigation. Although it is not always the case, a smaller proportion of irrigated fields are managed using no till systems then non-irrigated fields. Excessive corn residue produced on irrigated fields might be part of the reason.

Question: Which crops offer the worst economic advantage to irrigation?

Answer: Small grains and soybeans

Kelley, L. (2022). Irrigation Fact Sheet #11- Checklist for Planning Irrigation Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/irrigation/upoads/files/11ChecklistForPlanningIrrigationSystems08.22.pdf


Context: Annual operating costs will include an estimate of energy cost and labor attributable to the average operation of the equipment. For calculation purposes an annual use of six 1 inch applications of irrigation was used. A greater number of small applications will favor systems that have low labor costs, where a smaller number of large applications would favor systems with high labor and low investment attributes. Systems with low energy cost primarily from low pumping cost are favored by higher total annual use where low initial cost often compensate for higher energy cost if a low total volume of water is applied annually.

Question: What kind of applications favor systems with high labor costs?

Answer: a smaller number of large applications

Kelley, L. (2014a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #7- Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff.Instantaneous irrigation application rates compared to soil infiltration rates. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/7_ReducingAndEvalRunoff.pdf


Context: Even when the lessee provides all off the irrigation equipment and the water supply, rent value should be expected to be higher than local dry land rent prices. Land rent prices for irrigated ground are often higher than the cost of installing irrigation spread over a seven or ten year schedule. In most situations the additional profit for establishing irrigation on rental property is evident or the lessee would not be seeking to proceed. This opportunity cost for irrigation may be as small as 10% of the rent value or as great as 200% added to local dry land rent values. The prevalence of high dollar irrigated specialty crops are a major factor in the variability.

Question: What is the upper cost of the opportunity cost of irrigation?

Answer: as great as 200% added to local dry land rent values

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #6 - Irrigation Aspects of Land Lease Agreements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/LandRent.pdf


Context: The chemigation injection pump setting can be easily determined using the sprinkler chart. The method is very simple to use if one has the chart, or at least the speed chart part of it. The information can also be gained from looking at the readout on a computer-style pivot panel or the pivot control app.

Question: What can be determined using the sprinkler chart?

Answer: The chemigation injection pump setting

Melvin, S. (2023a). How to Determine the Chemigation Injection Pump Setting for a Center Pivot with the End Gun Off and On. UNL CropWatch. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2023/how-determine-chemigation-injection-pump-setting-center-pivot-end-gun-and


Context: (5) Water registration. Irrigation water use almost always is considered a large volume water use (capacity to pump > 70 gal./min). In both Indiana and Michigan new installations require a registration. In Indiana this is handled by Indiana DNR. In Michigan you will need to work through the Michigan Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool to determine if your proposed water use is likely to cause a negative environmental impact. At the end of the process you will either be able to register online or may be required to request a site specific review by MDEQ. MDEQ site specific reviews may result in allocation of the water resulting in registration or the opportunity to bring together all large volume water users in the watershed to negotiate reducing use by existing water users to allow allocations for a new water use.

Question: What do new irrigation installations require in Indiana?

Answer: require a registration

Kelley, L. (2022). Irrigation Fact Sheet #11- Checklist for Planning Irrigation Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/irrigation/upoads/files/11ChecklistForPlanningIrrigationSystems08


Context: Applying nitrogen fertilizer or crop protection products through a center pivot is an efficient and effective method. In fact, it is a well-documented best management practice to apply nitrogen fertilizer as close to the time the corn will use it to get the most efficient use of the fertilizer. Most of the products are injected into the pivot with a fixed rate injection pump. So, how does one figure the pumping rate to set the pump at, and what about the change the end gun causes when it's turned on and off? We will discuss both challenges in this article.

Question: Why should I apply nitrogen fertilizer as close to the time the corn will use it?

Answer: it is a well-documented best management practice

Melvin, S. (2023a). How to Determine the Chemigation Injection Pump Setting for a Center Pivot with the End Gun Off and On. UNL CropWatch. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2023/how-determine-chemigation-injection-pump-setting-center-pivot-end-gun-and


Context: Checkbook method of irrigation scheduling follows the concept that the soil in your field is like a bank checking account. Rainfall and irrigation applications are deposits into the checking account. Rainfall and irrigation may need to be reduced to reflect the effective amount added to soil moisture. Daily water removal from evaporation and transpiration (evapotranspiration or E.T.) from the field and crop would be considered withdrawals from the account. Soil has a maximum amount of water that can be held (called Field Capacity), so water added beyond the soils water holding capacity is lost to the account. Irrigation applied at a rate exceeding the infiltration capacity will cause surface runoff and be lost to the soil water balance account.

Question: What is the common abbreviation for evapotranspiration?

Answer: E.T.

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #6 - Irrigation Aspects of Land Lease Agreements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/LandRent.pdf


Context: Evapotranspiration demand that exceeds soil water supplies will result in yield reductions at any time during the crop life cycle. When plant water uptake by the roots is limited so is nutrient availability, uptake, and transport. Additionally, water stressed plants are more susceptible to insect and disease pathogens and have diminished stem integrity.

Question: What happens to the stems of water stressed plants?

Answer: diminished stem integrity.

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Context: The key to knowing the correct setting for the chemigation pump is to determine how many acres per hour the pivot will cover at the desired irrigation application depth or rate. Chemigation injection pumps are calibrated in gallons per hour (gph). So, if you know how much product you want to apply per acre -e.g., 10 gallons/acre - and how many acres the pivot will irrigate per hour - e.g., five acres/hour - then you will know how many gallons per hour the pump will need to deliver.

Question: How can you know how many gallons per hour the pump will need to deliver?

Answer: if you know how much product you want to apply per acre -e.g., 10 gallons/acre - and how many acres the pivot will irrigate per hour - e.g., five acres/hour

Melvin, S. (2023a). How to Determine the Chemigation Injection Pump Setting for a Center Pivot with the End Gun Off and On. UNL CropWatch. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2023/how-determine-chemigation-injection-pump-setting-center-pivot-end-gun-and


Context: Irrigation systems need to be able to replace the typical water use of the plant during a prolonged dry period. System costs increase as capacity increases. Typically water sources capable of 400 to 1200 gallons per minute are used to supply irrigation water. Systems designed to apply 0.25 inch per day (5 gallons/minute/acre of irrigation) can provide adequate water in all but the most extreme situations. Evapotransporation rate (E.T.) is a term that represents the daily water lost by the plants maintenance and growth along with the evaporative loss from the soil surface. E.T. rates for almost all crops grown in northern Indiana and Michigan have rates under 0.25 inch per day for all but a few extreme days.

Question: What is 0.25 inches per day equal to in terms of gallons/minute/acre of irrigation?

Answer: 5 gallons/minute/acre of irrigation

Kelley, L. (2007b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #5 - Estimating Annual Irrigation Costs. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/irrigation_costs/5_Estimating_Annual_Irrigation_Costs.pdf


Context: In some situations, irrigators have equipment that applies water faster than the water can infiltrate into the soil. In these situations, smaller application volumes will reduce the potential for runoff or uneven application to the roots. Sprinklers that provide larger wetted diameters will have less runoff issues. Matching sprinkler performance to field/soil conditions and leaving more crop residue on the soil surface are two methods to reduce potential runoff without increasing evaporative loss from increased number of applications.

Question: In what kind of situations do smaller application volumes reduce the potential for runoff or uneven application to the roots?

Answer: irrigators have equipment that applies water faster than the water can infiltrate into the soil

Kelley, L. (2014c). Irrigation Fact Sheet #14  - Irrigation Application Volumes. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/14_IrrigationApplication.pdf


Context: Question: What are the main sources of irrigation? Excerpt: Water for irrigation can have many sources like groundwater (springs and wells), surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs), water from non-conventional sources (treated water, wastewater, recycled water, desalinated water) etc. Farm lands can also be irrigated with flood water that is cautiously stored in dams, channels, etc. Some regions of the world collect and use rainwater as a source of irrigation called as rainwater harvesting, but this is not accepted as a form of irrigation.

Question: What are the main sources of water for irrigation?

Answer: groundwater (springs and wells)

AgriFarming. (2023). Frequently Asked Questions about Irrigation (FAQs) | Agri Farming. https://www.agrifarming.in/frequently-asked-questions-about-irrigation-faqs


Context: Insurance coverage: Establish responsibility for insurance coverage for the well, other permanent irrigation related improvements along with insurance coverage for the pivots and other non-permanent irrigation related equipment is an issue to be resolve before the insurance is needed. The local farm insurance provider in the area can help you evaluate the irrigation related options available. Many irrigation dealers can also direct you toward specialized irrigation insurance coverage.

Question: What should be resolved before insurance is needed?

Answer: other permanent irrigation related improvements along with insurance coverage for the pivots and other non-permanent irrigation related equipment

Kelley, L., Miller, S., & Loudon, T. (2006). Irrigation Fact Sheet #1- Agricultural Water Use Reporting for 2006 Changes in Water Use Regulation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/1_AgWaterUseReporting11-29-06.pdf


Context: Early in the season our irrigation goals are often focused on germinating seed and incorporating fertilizers or pre-emergent herbicides. In a normal year, May and early June often receive adequate rainfall to meet the needs of the developing crops and plant roots will grow into moisture that is stored deeper in the soil profile. Chances of receiving additional rainfall in the near future are rather good, so irrigation applications are kept to a minimum with the hope that nature will be providing more water soon. Roots that are not fully established leave only a limited soil water holding capacity capable making small application ideal.

Question: What are irrigation goals like early in the year?

Answer: irrigation goals are often focused on germinating seed and incorporating fertilizers or pre-emergent herbicides

Kelley, L. (2014b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #14  - Irrigation Application Volumes. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/14_IrrigationApplication.pdf


Context: How to Get More Out of Your Irrigation System: (3) Assure yourself of an adequate water supply. Five gal/minute/acre pump capacity or 0.25 inch/day will meet all crop needs except for hot long dry spells of 15 days or more. That means a 500 gal/minute pump can provide 1 inch every 4 days on 100 acres. Avoid legal challenges or neighbor complaints that may reduce your availability to water.

Question: What is the exception to a 5 gal/minute/acre pump capacity or 0.25 inch/day application rate for adequate water supply?

Answer: hot long dry spells of 15 days or more

Kelley, L. (2009b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #8 - How to Get More from your Irrigation System. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/HGMIrrSys.pdf


Context: (2b) Withdrawals planned in the next 18 months can also be registered in Michigan's Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool if the withdrawal receives a favorable assessment. By law beginning February 28, 2006, a person shall not make a new or increased large quantity withdrawal that causes an adverse resource impact. A person who knowingly makes a new or increased large quantity withdrawal that causes an adverse resource impact may be subject to a civil fine of not more than $10,000.00 per day of violation. Falsifying a record submitted in this process may result in a civil fine of not more than $1000.

Question: How far in advance can a planned withdrawal be registered?

Answer: Withdrawals planned in the next 18 months

Kelley, L. (2009c). Irrigation Fact Sheet #9 - Michigan Large Volume Water Use Requirements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/9largewaterwith.pdf


Context: (11) Crop rotation and tillage preferences. Among the traditional crops, commercial corn and alfalfa have shown the greatest economic advantage to irrigation. Small grains and soybeans have offered some of the lowest returns from added investment in irrigation. Changes in crop rotations often result from adding irrigation. Although it is not always the case, a smaller proportion of irrigated fields are managed using no till systems then non-irrigated fields. Excessive corn residue produced on irrigated fields might be part of the reason.

Question: Which crops show the greatest economic advantage to irrigation?

Answer: commercial corn and alfalfa

Kelley, L. (2022). Irrigation Fact Sheet #11- Checklist for Planning Irrigation Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/irrigation/upoads/files/11ChecklistForPlanningIrrigationSystems08.22.pdf


Context: Several factors can lead to low distribution equipment costs which can be achieved with the right combination of the following: total size of irrigated areas - the bigger the system the lower the cost (a) shape of the irrigated areas - 160 acre squares are hard to beat (b) three phase electric power is readily available near control panels (c) flat topography - hills and slopes require shorter pivot spans to maintain crop clearance.

Question: What types of pivot spans are needed to maintain crop clearance?

Answer: shorter pivot spans

Kelley, L. (2007b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #5 - Estimating Annual Irrigation Costs. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/irrigation_costs/5_Estimating_Annual_Irrigation_Costs.pdf


Context: P.A. 33 of 2006 amended Michigan's Natural Resources Protection Act as part 327 of 451. Changes included:  (d) Agriculture water use reporting to MDA only: The rarely used option of reporting to MDEQ was removed in P.A. 33 leaving Michigan Department of Agriculture as the only reporting option for agricultural producers.

Question: What did P.A. 33 change when it comes to reporting procedure?

Answer: reporting to MDEQ was removed

Kelley, L., Miller, S., & Loudon, T. (2006). Irrigation Fact Sheet #1- Agricultural Water Use Reporting for 2006 Changes in Water Use Regulation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/1_AgWaterUseReporting11-29-06.pdf


Context: Irrigation systems need to be able to replace the typical water use of the plant during a prolonged dry period. System costs increase as capacity increases. Typically water sources capable of 400 to 1200 gallons per minute are used to supply irrigation water.Systems designed to apply 0.25 inch per day (5 gallons/minute/acre of irrigation) can provide adequate water in all but the most extreme situations.

Question: What do irrigation systems need to be able to do?

Answer: replace the typical water use of the plant during a prolonged dry period

Kelley, L. (2007b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #5 - Estimating Annual Irrigation Costs. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/irrigation_costs/5_Estimating_Annual_Irrigation_Costs.pdf


Context: The irrigation application rate will vary throughout the length of a center pivot irrigation system, with the highest instantaneous application rate at the end of the system furthest from the pivot point. Irrigation application rate will be uniform for solid set and large gun hose traveler irrigation systems as long as application time or forward travel of system is unchanged.

Question: What must be true for a large gun hose traveler irrigation system to have uniform application rates?

Answer: as long as application time or forward travel of system is unchanged.

Kelley, L. (2014b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #13 - Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/43605/FactSheets/13_ReducingAndEvaluatingIrrigationRunoff_5-9-14.pdf


Context: Option to purchase the farm in future: (c) Repayment requirements of the unrecouped portion of the permanent land improvements made by the lessee if contract is prematurely terminated is often view as a form of security from farm land being sold out from their ability to lease. A schedule of repayment is constructed by amortizing the dollar investment over the period of the contract at the current interest rate. The resulting chart allows the landowner to find the agreed upon fee for early termination of the contract. Contract needs to have provisions for early termination upon one of agreed list if situations happen. These may include death of one of the parties, sale of farm or dissolving of the farm business.

Question: What is often viewed as a form of security from farm land being sold out from their ability to lease?

Answer: Repayment requirements of the unrecouped portion of the permanent land improvements made by the lessee

Specht, J., & Torrion, J. (2015). Optimize Your Irrigation Application Timing with SoyWater.unl.edu | CropWatch | University of Nebraska–Lincoln. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/optimize-your-irrigation-application-timing-soywaterunledu


Context: Permanent improvements. The annual cost of permanent improvements made by lessee should be viewed as additional income above lease rate by landowners. Wells are always the property of the landowner of the land they are constructed on but many of the other items associated with the irrigation system may be recoverable or moved by the lessee at the end of the agreement. For this reason it is important to list the land improvements in their entirety and include the handling of the item at the termination of the agreement. If the improvement left by the lessee are all but the pivot or distribution system the landowner has a clean separation at the end of the agreement period if needed, with less potential problem locating another lessee to irrigate the farm allowing the landowner to recoup the investment in land improvements.

Question: What must be done at the end of an agreement?

Answer: ist the land improvements in their entirety

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #6 - Irrigation Aspects of Land Lease Agreements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/LandRent.pdf


Context: Effects on pollinating corn: Drought stress 7-10 days ahead of silking can result in delayed silk development. When combined with heat stress this delay could result in poor anthesis silking interval (ASI). Water stress during pollination (tasseling through silking) not only delays silking, but also reduces silk elongation, and if severe, impedes embryo development. With temperatures greater than 95oF, low humidity, and low soil moisture level, silks will desiccate or become non-receptive to pollen. Pollen grains may also be damaged from desiccation when they are released for tassel anthers. When temperatures greater than 100oF , pollen grains are killed. Drought stress during pollination ultimately results in poor pollination and fewer kernels per ear.

Question: What is a result of drought stress and heat stress combined for pollinating corn?

Answer: poor anthesis silking interval (ASI).

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Context: Question: What is gravity irrigation? Excerpt: Gravity system is a basic irrigation system consisting of an elevated reservoir, the pipe from the bottom of the reservoir to the irrigation system which can be either hand operated or battery operated to control the time and rate of water application. The reservoir of the gravity system is filled by harvesting rainwater.

Question: How is the water for the reservoir of the gravity system filled?

Answer: by harvesting rainwater

AgriFarming. (2023). Frequently Asked Questions about Irrigation (FAQs) | Agri Farming. https://www.agrifarming.in/frequently-asked-questions-about-irrigation-faqs


Context: An overview of procedure to establish new large volume withdrawals: (a) Determine needed pumping capacity and probable location for the new withdrawal. (b) Work through the Michigan Large Volume Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool (MiWWAT) for a determination. (c) If the MiWWAT assessment is green (zone A) or yellow (zone B) you can proceed to register your proposed water withdrawal. Building can happen in the following 18 months and any small modification can be noted by returning to the tool and modifying your original request.

Question: What is the third step in the procedure of establishing new large volume withdrawals?

Answer: If the MiWWAT assessment is green (zone A) or yellow (zone B) you can proceed to register your proposed water withdrawal. Building can happen in the following 18 months and any small modification can be noted by returning to the tool and modifying your original request.

Kelley, L. (2009c). Irrigation Fact Sheet #9 - Michigan Large Volume Water Use Requirements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/9largewaterwith.pdf


Context: Infiltration rate is the quantity of water that can enter the soil in a specified time interval. Heavier soils such as clay and clay loam take water in at a slower rate than sands and sandy loams. Tillage method and surface compaction affect infiltration rate. Conservation tillage and no-till result in the highest infiltration rates while disc and moldboard tillage result in the lowest rates, particularly after several wetting events. Michigan soils have infiltration rates from as slow as one-half inch per hour to as fast as three inches per hour. Estimates for water infiltration rates are included in the Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils section of the soil survey for each county.

Question: Where can estimates for infiltration rates be found?

Answer: the Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils section of the soil survey for each county

Kelley, L. (2014). Irrigation Fact Sheet #7- Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff.Instantaneous irrigation application rates compared to soil infiltration rates. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/7_ReducingAndEvalRunoff.pdf


Context: In some situations producers may choose to dribble or broadcast nitrogen on the field by air or Hi- tractor and use the irrigation to incorporate the Nitrogen if dry weather follows. This technique is quick, requiring no irrigation equipment modification, but is dependent on the availability of aerial applicators or in row high clearance application equipment. Detailed information on injection pumps, backflow protection, safety interlocks, and procedures for calibrating an injection system is available in bulletin E-2099 available from the Michigan State University Extension bulletin system or electronically at the irrigation section of the St. Joseph County MSU Extension web page.

Question: Where can I find detailed information on what I need for my injection system?

Answer: in bulletin E-2099 available from the Michigan State University Extension bulletin system

Kelley, L. (2013b). Last chance nitrogen application with irrigation - MSU Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/last_chance_nitrogen_application_with_irrigation


Context: Corn management and yield loss: Management depends on the remaining yield potential. Each field provides a unique combination of soil, management, hybrid, and water supply so not all the fields will have the same yield reduction. After pollination a key is to determine how successful pollination was; that is how many kernels per ear were attained. This can be determined by performing a shake test to see if silks are still attached to the ovules (unfertilized kernels); silks will easily drop from fertilized ovules (kernels). Or wait until seven to ten days after pollination when the ear is in the blister stage (plump kernels with watery liquid inside) to see how many kernels are expanding.

Question: When should I determine how successful pollination was?

Answer: After pollination

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Context: If pollination is good, manage the field as normal. If pollination is poor, those kernels will develop normally with reduced yield potential. These field may be considered for forage or silage harvest. If there is no pollination, there are two options; (1) harvest as near to pollination as possible for the highest quality forage possible or (2) leave the crop as a living cover crop until the fall before mowing or chopping. Continual leaf rolling of the plant in the weeks leading up to pollination can result in a yield loss of 1-5 percent per day. During pollen shed and silking severe stress can reduce yields by up to nine percent per day. In the weeks following pollination drought stress can reduce yield by up to six percent per day.

Question: What is a consequence of continual leaf rolling of the plant in the weeks leading up to pollination?

Answer: a yield loss of 1-5 percent per day

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Context: As a permanent improvement to the land the irrigation well is owned by landowner and the liability of its potential impact on neighboring home wells is the responsibility of the landlord. The liability of its potential impact to neighboring home wells is a relatively small risk that can be managed by the rental agreement. These situations are uncommon but since the well belongs to the landowner the responsibility of the well also belongs to the landowner. The rental agreement can assign the responsibility of cost to improving neighbor well to the lessee if needed. Statements in rental agreements may require the lessee to manage the irrigation to prevent negative impact to neighboring wells, with the option to make improvements to neighboring wells to solve problem if they arise.

Question: Is there a big or small risk posed upon home wells by irrigation wells?

Answer: small risk

Kelley, L., Miller, S., & Loudon, T. (2006). Irrigation Fact Sheet #1- Agricultural Water Use Reporting for 2006 Changes in Water Use Regulation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/1_AgWaterUseReporting11-29-06.pdf


Context: Permanent improvements. A repayment schedule may be included in the agreement for the recovery of investment dollars not recouped if early termination of the agreement is required. An annual cost of permanent improvements to the land needed for irrigation can be found by amortizing the dollar investment over the period of the contract at the current interest rate. The annual cost may be added to the dry land rent rate plus an additional opportunity cost representing the added income opportunity with irrigation to compensate landowner for permanent improvements to the land needed for irrigation.

Question: What can be included in the agreement for the recovery of investment dollars not recouped?

Answer: A repayment schedule

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #6 - Irrigation Aspects of Land Lease Agreements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/LandRent.pdf


Context: (10) Irrigation economics. Make sure irrigation will pay. Think in terms of increasing your average net income per acre after you have covered the additional irrigation related bills. To receive good outcomes, expect to provide good estimates of increased fixed and variable costs. Figuring this out in advance of the investment is detailed, but is well worth the time. An excellent tool to assist in evaluating the economic feasibility of a proposed project is the "Capital Investment Model" developed by MSU Educator xxxxx xxxx.

Question: What is an excellent tool to assist in evaluating the economic feasibility of a proposed project?

Answer: the "Capital Investment Model" developed by MSU Educator xxxxx xxxx

Kelley, L. (2022). Irrigation Fact Sheet #11- Checklist for Planning Irrigation Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/irrigation/upoads/files/11ChecklistForPlanningIrrigationSystems08.22.pdf


Context: (11) Crop rotation and tillage preferences. Among the traditional crops, commercial corn and alfalfa have shown the greatest economic advantage to irrigation. Small grains and soybeans have offered some of the lowest returns from added investment in irrigation. Changes in crop rotations often result from adding irrigation. Although it is not always the case, a smaller proportion of irrigated fields are managed using no till systems then non-irrigated fields. Excessive corn residue produced on irrigated fields might be part of the reason.

Question: Are more irrigated or non-irrigated fields managed using no-till systems?

Answer: non-irrigated fields

Kelley, L. (2022). Irrigation Fact Sheet #11- Checklist for Planning Irrigation Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/irrigation/upoads/files/11ChecklistForPlanningIrrigationSystems08.22.pdf


Context: By mid-June the crop is near its full rooting depth, increasing the effective water holding capacity and lowering the potential of loss below the roots. At the same time, the potential for rainfall decreases and crop water use increases, allowing producers to increase their application volume to the 0.75 inch per application range. Typical crop water use would be 0.15 inches per day, making one 0.75 inch application last about 5 days.

Question: What happens when a crop is near its full rooting depth?

Answer: increasing the effective water holding capacity

Kelley, L. (2014c). Irrigation Fact Sheet #14  - Irrigation Application Volumes. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/14_IrrigationApplication.pdf


Context: (10) Cornering arm hydro valves: Use of hydro valves is the most common method for controlling the irrigation water from individual sprinklers on cornering arms and Z arms that are in their folded back position. If valves are stuck open you are grossly overwatering endrows or other field edges where the arm is not deployed. Valves that are stuck closed will result in under watering corners of the field. While the machine is running, inspect sprinklers in a corner area with the arm fully deployed to make sure all sprinklers come on and in an area with the arm fully folded to see if all valves shut off.

Question: What is the benefit of using hydro valves?

Answer: for controlling the irrigation water from individual sprinklers

Kelley, L. (2017). Irrigation Fact Sheet #15 - Irrigation Inspection and Repair. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/factsheets/15_Irriation_Inspection_and_Repair_v2_4.21.17.pdf


Context: Irrigated production has the advantage of fertigation as an option in nitrogen management. Fertigation is the process of applying fertilizer through irrigation water. Liquid 28% nitrogen is the most common product for fertigation, but urea and micro-nutrient solutions are also available to meet crop nutrient needs, with proper equipment.

Question: What is an advantage of irrigated production?

Answer: fertigation as an option in nitrogen management

Kelley, L. (2013). Irrigation Fact Sheet #12 - Nitrogen Application with Irrigation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/12_NitrogenApplicationWithIrrigationFact_Sheet.pdf


Context: An overview of procedure to establish new large volume withdrawals: (d) If the MiWWAT assessment is orange (zone c) or red (zone d) try to modify location or well depth to reduce stream flow impact. If more favorable assessment can not be achieved a Site Specific Review may be requested from Michigan Department of Environmental Quality through the MiWWAT tool. (e) If the MDEQ Site Specific Review does not provide a favorable registration to proceed, land owner may initiate a meeting of the Large Volume Water Users in the watershed to investigate reduction in water use by fellow large volume water users. (f) If the meeting of Large Volume Water Users does not provide MDEQ with sufficient reductions in use by other riparian to allow the proposed water use civil court action may be necessary to establish the riparian right to water use for the parcel.

Question: What would a meeting be for if the MDEQ Site Specific Review does not provide a favorable registration to proceed?

Answer: to investigate reduction in water use by fellow large volume water users

Kelley, L. (2009c). Irrigation Fact Sheet #9 - Michigan Large Volume Water Use Requirements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/9largewaterwith.pdf


Question: what is a small risk associated with irrigation risks?

Answer: The liability of its potential impact to neighboring home wells

Kelley, L., Miller, S., & Loudon, T. (2006). Irrigation Fact Sheet #1- Agricultural Water Use Reporting for 2006 Changes in Water Use Regulation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/1_AgWaterUseReporting11-29-06.pdf


Context: A simple, inexpensive catch can stand can be built using: 1. 32 oz. disposable soda cup (Taco Bell cup) 2. 3 inch plastic drain pipe cut to 5 inch in length 3. 2 x 3 inch stud, cut to length to wedge into plastic drain pipe (drill hole partially through the chunk of wood to accommodate the fence post) 4. Steel (step-in) electric fence post

Question: How can you accomodate the fence post using the studs?

Answer: drill hole partially through the chunk of wood

Kelley, L. (2020). Irrigation Fact Sheet #16 - Catch Can Stands for Rain Gauges and Uniformity Check for Evaluating Irrigation.


Context: Plant transpiration increases as corn leaf area increases. Transpiration is the mechanism by which water moves from the soil through the plant into the atmosphere. The greatest water demand for corn occurs from the late vegetative stages through the blister stage and for soybean from the early pod set through the mid seed fill stages. In other words, the greatest demand for transpiration occurs during periods of rapid growth.

Question: What happens from the late vegetative stages through the blister stage for corn?

Answer: The greatest water demand

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Context: Table 1. Example corn yield loss estimates when stress occurs for four or more consecutive days. Adapted from Classen and Shaw, 1970; Rhoads and Bennet, 1990; and Shaw, 1988.  The Corn Development stage known as early vegetative (VE - V12) has an estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 1-3. The Corn Development stage known as Late vegetative (V12 to VT) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 2-5. The Corn Development stage known as Pollination to Blister (R2) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 3-9. The Corn Development stage known as Milk (R3) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 3-6. The Corn Development stage known as Dough (R4) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 3-5. The Corn Development stage known as Dent (R5) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 2-4. The Corn Development stage known as Maturity (R6) has an Estimated Yield Loss per Day of Stress of 0.

Question: What is the estimated yield loss per day of stress for corn in the R4 development stage?

Answer: 3-5

Iowa State University. (2023). How Drought Affects Corn & Soybean Growth & Yield. https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/12564-how-drought-affects-corn-and-soybean-growth-and-yield


Context: Effects on soybean during grain fill Drought effects on soybean are generally not as severe as corn. This is a result of overlapping of development stages. When short-term drought stress results in flower or pod abortion, new flowers and pods will set when conditions improve. During prolonged drought stress, or when the stress occurs during pod set and seed filling stages, the compensatory ability is not as likely to occur. Drought can reduce pod number by up to 20 percent as a result of flower and pod abortion. Seeds per pod and seed size can also be affected by drought stress but to a lesser extent than the number of pods. Drought stress often results in earlier maturity or shortening of the grain filling period resulting in lower seed weights and yields. Soybean yield loss from drought stress is compounded by the lack of nitrogen mineralization and nitrogen fixation. In dry conditions, nodules cease nitrogen fixation because of a lack of soil moisture and lack of carbohydrate supply from the soybean plant. If water deficits are short lived, nodule nitrogen fixation can resume.

Question: What does drought affect in soybeans during grain fill?

Answer: Seeds per pod

Iowa State University. (2023). How Drought Affects Corn & Soybean Growth & Yield. https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/12564-how-drought-affects-corn-and-soybean-growth-and-yield


Context: (4) Measure static water levels in wells: Many of your neighbors may be concerned that irrigation water use is permanently lowering the water table. Documenting the static water level in your well and surrounding wells before you start pumping each year allows a comparison from beginning to end of pumping season. A late fall reading will show the recovery levels. If you do not have the equipment to measure the static water level of your well, consider an annual well maintenance company inspection or a single visit from a well driller to inspect equipment and measure water levels.

Question: What should I do if I do not have the proper equipment to measure the static water level of my well?

Answer: consider an annual well maintenance company inspection or a single visit from a well driller to inspect equipment and measure water levels

Kelley, L. (2017). Irrigation Fact Sheet #15 - Irrigation Inspection and Repair. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/factsheets/15_Irriation_Inspection_and_Repair_v2_4.21.17.pdf


Question: Can I use micro-nutrient solutions for fertigation?

Answer: available to meet crop nutrient needs

Kelley, L. (2013). Irrigation Fact Sheet #12 - Nitrogen Application with Irrigation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/12_NitrogenApplicationWithIrrigationFact_Sheet.pdf


Context: Water use reporting history. Two water use laws went into effect in 2004 in Michigan (PA 177 and PA 148). State water use reports are required by many farm operations by PA 148. Complaints from small well owners against large well owners will be investigated by the state (PA 177). These public acts reflect changes to the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) and fall under the enforcement provisions contained therein.

Question: Which act do the changes in water use laws reflect?

Answer: Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act

Kelley, L., Miller, S., & Loudon, T. (2006). Irrigation Fact Sheet #1- Agricultural Water Use Reporting for 2006 Changes in Water Use Regulation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/1_AgWaterUseReporting11-29-06.pdf


Context: Effects on vegetative soybean: Vegetative growth of soybean during drought is diminished. Drought stressed soybean are often shorter with smaller leaves due to a lack of water, nutrient availability, and nutrient uptake. Soybean root growth increases during drought conditions because plant carbohydrates are shifted to root growth. When adequate rainfall or soil moisture returns, vegetative growth will resume until the mid-seeding filling stage (R5.5). Under severe drought stress, soybean flowering may occur earlier than normal in an effort to produce seed before premature death.

Question: When would vegetative growth be diminished for soybeans?

Answer: during drought

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Context: In extreme situations of average daily temperatures over 90 degrees, low relative humidity and wind, water use may reach 0.31 to 0.33 inches per day. Crops that cannot tolerate extremes may need an irrigation system designed to meet a requirement of one inch every 3 days (6.5 gallons/minute/acre of irrigation). Systems design capacity of greater than 6.5 gallons/minute/acre of irrigation are only needed in situations where crop management practice result in water application at rates faster than the soil infiltration rate resulting in water loss below the root zone or less than 100% effective water use.

Question: What level of water use may be reached during periods of low relative humidity and wind?

Answer: 0.31 to 0.33 inches per day

Kelley, L. (2007b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #5 - Estimating Annual Irrigation Costs. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/irrigation_costs/5_Estimating_Annual_Irrigation_Costs.pdf


Context: How to Get More Out of Your Irrigation System: (3) Assure yourself of an adequate water supply. Five gal/minute/acre pump capacity or 0.25 inch/day will meet all crop needs except for hot long dry spells of 15 days or more. That means a 500 gal/minute pump can provide 1 inch every 4 days on 100 acres. Avoid legal challenges or neighbor complaints that may reduce your availability to water.

Question: What kind of pump provides 1 inch every 4 days on 100 acres?

Answer: a 500 gal/minute pump

Kelley, L. (2009b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #8 - How to Get More from your Irrigation System. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/HGMIrrSys.pdf


Context: Estimating annual irrigation costs: Annual irrigation costs can be divided into two categories: annual cost of ownership and the annual cost of operation - mainly the cost of energy and labor. The annual cost of ownership is often estimated by the DIRTI (Depreciation, Interest, Repairs, Taxes, and Insurance) formula which spreads the actual cost of ownership of an equipment investment over its usable lifespan or investment period. A standard procedure is outlined on page 4 of MSU Extension Bulletin E-2131, "Custom Work Rates in Michigan". This formula can provide you with the annual cost of the original investment in equipment and improvements.

Question: How is the annual cost of ownership estimated?

Answer: by the DIRTI (Depreciation, Interest, Repairs, Taxes, and Insurance) formula

Kelley, L. (2007b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #5 - Estimating Annual Irrigation Costs. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/irrigation_costs/5_Estimating_Annual_Irrigation_Costs.pdf


Context: (1) Enviroweather: computes daily estimate of potential E.T. and projects E.T. demands for 7 days at each of the 58 strategically located weather stations in Michigan calculating crop E.T. using wind, relative humidity, and net solar radiation in addition to temperature to estimate crop E.T. demands. Pick the station nearest to you, and then click on one of the categories listed near the top of the screen (eg. Field crops, Fruit), then click on Potential Evapotranspiration. For corn and soybeans clicking the Crop ET Estimate button then entering the emergences date allowing tracking crop ET as the crop develops. A free service of Enviroweather Network sends daily reports of ET from the previous 4 days and projected values for the next week by text or E-mail to producers that signed up.

Question: What is the second step in using the Enviroweather tool?

Answer: click on one of the categories listed near the top of the screen

Kelley, L., & Miller, S. (2019). Irrigation Fact Sheet #3 - Irrigation Scheduling Tools. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/43605/FactSheets/3_IrrigationSchedulingTools5.14.pdf


Context: How to Get More Out of Your Irrigation System: (5) Use irrigation to lessen stand loss due to soil crusting. Apply 0.5 inch in most irrigated soil at the appearance of first spike if crusting is hampering emergence. Maintain a moist soil surface with small application till crop emerges.

Question: How much water should I apply in irrigated soil if crusting is hampering emergence?

Answer: 0.5 inch

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #8 - How to Get More from your Irrigation System. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/HGMIrrSys.pdf


Context: Instructions for completing the Evaluating Potential Irrigation Runoff Form. (4) Center pivots'Starting at the pivot point and progressing to the furthest reaches of the machine, pace or measure 50-foot increments along that line to identify observation points, or identify three equally spaced observation points under each span. Solid set or travelers'Start at one edge of the wetted area and progress to the opposite side, pace or measure 50-foot increments along that line to identify observation points.

Question: What is the procedure for completing the Evaluating Potential Irrigation Runoff Form for center pivot systems?

Answer: Starting at the pivot point and progressing to the furthest reaches of the machine, pace or measure 50-foot increments along that line to identify observation points, or identify three equally spaced observation points under each span

Kelley, L. (2014b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #13 - Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/43605/FactSheets/13_ReducingAndEvaluatingIrrigationRunoff_5-9-14.pdf


Context: Question: What about different soil types? Excerpt: The soil is a storage room of the plants nutrients, and the medium, through which water and nutrients move. It is the anchor for plants and the reservoir of water for plants' growth. There are various types of soil with differing characteristics, which determine What types of plants can be grown. Nevertheless, plants can thrive in a very broad spectrum of soil textures when water is applied at the proper rate, with appropriate spacing.Each type of soil creates a typical wetting pattern that will require a different layout. In sandy soil, the water will tend to go straight down, so we recommend using micro sprinklers or closely spaced, 12 in. apart, 1 GPH or 2 GPH drippers. In loamy soil, the water will move slowly and will spread evenly, so here you can use .5 GPH or 1 GPH drippers with a 16 in. to 18 in. spacing. In clay soil in which drip irrigation work the best, the water will be absorbed very slowly, so use low flow drippers such as .5 or 1 GPH at a wider spacing, 18 in. to 24 in. apart.

Question: How should I set up my system in loamy soil?

Answer: use .5 GPH or 1 GPH drippers with a 16 in. to 18 in. spacing

Sunn, L. (2023). Drip Irrigation | Rainwater. https://www.rainbees.com/drip-irrigation


Context: Baseline Capacity (Rated Capacity): The registration process establishes a "Baseline Capacity" based on the available withdrawal capacity of a system. The baseline capacity of the system should be reported as pump capacity in gal/min. along with a pump and system description which is compatible with the well log. Baseline capacity applies to both wells and surface water withdrawals. Please note: You should report this baseline capacity value on the registration form on the line listed as "Rated Capacity".

Question: Where should the baseline capacity value be reported to?

Answer: on the registration form on the line listed as "Rated Capacity"

Kelley, L., Miller, S., & Loudon, T. (2006). Irrigation Fact Sheet #1- Agricultural Water Use Reporting for 2006 Changes in Water Use Regulation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/1_AgWaterUseReporting11-29-06.pdf


Context: (11) Crop rotation and tillage preferences. Among the traditional crops, commercial corn and alfalfa have shown the greatest economic advantage to irrigation. Small grains and soybeans have offered some of the lowest returns from added investment in irrigation. Changes in crop rotations often result from adding irrigation. Although it is not always the case, a smaller proportion of irrigated fields are managed using no till systems then non-irrigated fields. Excessive corn residue produced on irrigated fields might be part of the reason.

Question: Which crop has the lowest returns from added investment in irrigation?

Answer: soybeans

Kelley, L. (2022). Irrigation Fact Sheet #11- Checklist for Planning Irrigation Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/irrigation/upoads/files/11ChecklistForPlanningIrrigationSystems08.22.pdf


Context: Question: Can all soils be irrigated? Excerpt:All soils can be irrigated but the right irrigation system has to be selected. For example, soils with a high clay content can be irrigated with a trickle (often called drip) irrigation system, a surface irrigation system (if the land has less than 2% slope) and a solid-set sprinkler system, however, a moving sprinkler system like center pivots and lateral moves may not work very well. Conversely, a soil with a high sand fraction on sloping land can be irrigated very well with a moving sprinkler system but not by a surface irrigation system and it may be difficult to use trickle irrigation and solid-set sprinklers due to elevation differences. Center pivots are used to apply water to over 88% of the irrigated land in North Dakota. Due to the preference for moving sprinkler systems, all the soils in the state have been classified as irrigable, conditional and non-irrigable. The irrigable and non-irrigable classifications are self-explanatory but a soil may be conditional for one or more of the following reasons: salinity accumulation concerns, too much slope, irrigation water quality, shallow bedrock, poor drainage characteristics and too much gravel. Successful irrigation also relies on the compatibility of the water quality with the soils in the field. In general, sandy well-drained soils can be irrigated using water with higher TDS and SAR than soils with more clay and silt content.

Question: To what percent of the land are center pivots used to apply water?

Answer: 88%

NDSU Agriculture. (2024). Irrigation - Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics/crop-production/irrigation-tiling-drainage/irrigation-frequently-asked-questions


Question: How can nodule nitrogen fixation resume after drought stress experienced by soybeans?

Answer: If water deficits are short lived,

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Context: The infiltration rate is the rate water can enter the soil surface. Michigan soils have infiltration rates from a high of 1 inch/2 hour to, as little as 20 minutes per inch. Heavier soils such as clay and clay loam will take water in at a slower rate than sands and sandy loams. Tillage method and surface compaction since a tillage operation affects infiltration rate. Conservation tillage and no-till result in the highest infiltration rate while disc and moldboard tillage result in the lowest rates, particularly after several wetting events. Estimates for water infiltration rates are included in the "physical and chemical properties of soils" section of the soil survey for your county.

Question: What kind of soils have a slower infiltration rate?

Answer: Heavier soils

Kelley, L. (2014b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #13 - Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/43605/FactSheets/13_ReducingAndEvaluatingIrrigationRunoff_5-9-14.pdf


Context: (16) Chemigation valve and fertigation pump power supply: Many producers are investigating chemigation/fertigation as an option. Adding the equipment now makes it a far more viable option in the future. Make sure there is a functional chemigation valve on each water supply feeding into the system. Install interlocked injection pump power source. This will operate only when the irrigation water pump in on avoiding undiluted fertilizer from ever going into the irrigation system. For a diesel engine this may be as simple as running the injection pump from a v-belt off of the engine shaft.

Question: What type of belt can you use when running an injection pump for a diesel engine?

Answer: v-belt

Kelley, L. (2017). Irrigation Fact Sheet #15  - Irrigation Inspection and Repair. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/factsheets/15_Irriation_Inspection_and_Repair_v2_4.21.17.pdf


Context: Late season applications are lowered as crop water use declines with increasing crop maturity. At the dent stage of development, corn water use can be as little as 0.15 inches per day on a 75 degree day. The chance of receiving rainfall increases during this portion of the growing season. Applications of 0.75 inches at the beginning of this period may quickly decline to 0.50 inch as the crop nears black layer or maturity.

Question: Why do application rates decline during the late season?

Answer: as the crop nears black layer or maturity.

Kelley, L. (2013a). Efficient irrigation application volumes change throughout crop development. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/efficient_irrigation_application_volumes_change_throughout_crop_development


Context: Liability of impact on neighboring home wells and environment: Michigan 2006 legislation required all large volume water users to meet an environmental protection standard of no resource impact. Rent agreements for irrigated land may define who is responsible for upholding the environmental protection standard and the responsibility of any potential liability.

Question: What tells me who bares responsibility for any potential liability?

Answer: Rent agreements for irrigated land

Kelley, L. (2009a). Irrigation Fact Sheet #6 - Irrigation Aspects of Land Lease Agreements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/LandRent.pdf


Context: (5) Water registration. Irrigation water use almost always is considered a large volume water use (capacity to pump > 70 gal./min). In both Indiana and Michigan new installations require a registration. In Indiana this is handled by Indiana DNR. In Michigan you will need to work through the Michigan Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool to determine if your proposed water use is likely to cause a negative environmental impact. At the end of the process you will either be able to register online or may be required to request a site specific review by MDEQ. MDEQ site specific reviews may result in allocation of the water resulting in registration or the opportunity to bring together all large volume water users in the watershed to negotiate reducing use by existing water users to allow allocations for a new water use.

Question: What is an example of large volume water use?

Answer: Irrigation

Kelley, L. (2022). Irrigation Fact Sheet #11- Checklist for Planning Irrigation Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/irrigation/upoads/files/11ChecklistForPlanningIrrigationSystems08


Context: Instructions for completing the Evaluating Potential Irrigation Runoff Form. (5) Record observations at each observation point. Observation should be made when the observation points is in the second half of the wetted area as the system moves away from the site. Look at several (four to five) areas representing the row contour and differences in row traffic of the location. Record any specific concerns that may affect the application (drips or leaks) or affect the soil's ability to take in water (compaction, row contours, etc.).

Question: When should observations be made?

Answer: the observation points is in the second half of the wetted area as the system moves away from the site

Kelley, L. (2014b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #13 - Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/43605/FactSheets/13_ReducingAndEvaluatingIrrigationRunoff_5-9-14.pdf


Context: The irrigation application rate will vary throughout the length of a center pivot irrigation system, with the highest instantaneous application rate at the end of the system furthest from the pivot point. Irrigation application rate will be uniform for solid set and large gun hose traveler irrigation systems as long as application time or forward travel of system is unchanged.

Question: What must be true for a solid set irrigation system to have uniform application rates?

Answer: as long as application time or forward travel of system is unchanged.

Kelley, L. (2014b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #13 - Reducing and Evaluating Irrigation Runoff. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/43605/FactSheets/13_ReducingAndEvaluatingIrrigationRunoff_5-9-14.pdf


Context: Question: What is the best way to water container plants? Excerpt: To start a drip system for containers or pots, our complete kits are a great way to start such as model'FM01AS'for 10 pots or the'G77AS'for up to 24 pots. For large containers or raised garden beds our'ML50 kit'is ideal.If you would like to add to an existing system or create your own system that can be easily accomplished by buying our products separately. Our suggestion is to use a combination of 1/4 in. dripline'(microtubing with pre-inserted emitters)'and misters for large containers and individual drippers for small pots. For larger or longer containers use a 1/4 in. dripline. For pots use 1-2 .5 GPH drippers per pot. First, categorize the containers and pots into groups with similar sizes and similar watering needs. It is also advisable to divide containers and pots into groups that are either in full sun or in shaded areas. We have made a list'(pot and basket parts list and installation)'for what we think are the best steps to help you install this type of system. Please be aware that every installation application is different and we cannot make this link perfect for every situation. If you do not find the exact information that pertains to your application,'send as an email'with what you would like to do and we will provide a recommendation.

Question: How should everything be organized in order to set up the dripping system?

Answer: categorize the containers and pots into groups with similar sizes and similar watering needs. It is also advisable to divide containers and pots into groups that are either in full sun or in shaded areas

DIG Corp. (2024). Drip Irrigation FAQ’s. https://www.digcorp.com/drip-irrigation-faqs/


Context: Effects on vegetative soybean: Vegetative growth of soybean during drought is diminished. Drought stressed soybean are often shorter with smaller leaves due to a lack of water, nutrient availability, and nutrient uptake. Soybean root growth increases during drought conditions because plant carbohydrates are shifted to root growth. When adequate rainfall or soil moisture returns, vegetative growth will resume until the mid-seeding filling stage (R5.5). Under severe drought stress, soybean flowering may occur earlier than normal in an effort to produce seed before premature death.

Question: What is true about drought stressed soybeans?

Answer: a lack of water, nutrient availability, and nutrient uptake

Licht, M., & Archontoulis, S. (2017). Influence of Drought on Corn and Soybean | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/07/influence-drought-corn-and-soybean


Context: (2) The MSU Soil Water Balance Sheet: is a paper version of a checkbook scheduler producers can use Reference Evapotranspiration (E.T.) Data from their own E.T. gauge station or Reference E.T. data form Purdue's PAC center weather stations. For Michigan, producers can use the Enviroweather data listed above. The Soil Water Balance Sheet helps producers convert the Reference E.T. into a estimate water removal for either corn or soybeans in their field.

Question: Who created the Soil Water Balance Sheet?

Answer: MSU

Kelley, L., Miller, S., & Loudon, T. (2006). Irrigation Fact Sheet #1- Agricultural Water Use Reporting for 2006 Changes in Water Use Regulation. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/FactSheets/1_AgWaterUseReporting11-29-06.pdf


Context: New legislation was enacted in Michigan to improve the management of the Great Lakes basin water resources to conform to the goals of the Great Lakes Compact and following agreements. The eight States and two Canadian Provinces that surround the Great Lakes have worked for over a decade to improve the management of water resources in the Great Lakes basin. Now that the Great Lakes Compact has become federal law (in October, 2008), proposed water diversions from the Great Lakes can be legally denied.

Question: What is the goal of the legislation created in Michigan?

Answer: to improve the management of the Great Lakes basin water resources

Kelley, L. (2009c). Irrigation Fact Sheet #9 - Michigan Large Volume Water Use Requirements. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/lyndon/9largewaterwith.pdf


Context: Several factors can lead to low distribution equipment costs which can be achieved with the right combination of the following: total size of irrigated areas - the bigger the system the lower the cost (a) shape of the irrigated areas - 160 acre squares are hard to beat (b) three phase electric power is readily available near control panels (c) flat topography - hills and slopes require shorter pivot spans to maintain crop clearance.

Question: To maintain crop clearance in the hills, would you use a shorter or longer pivot spans?

Answer: shorter pivot spans

Kelley, L. (2007b). Irrigation Fact Sheet #5 - Estimating Annual Irrigation Costs. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/235/67987/irrigation_costs/5_Estimating_Annual_Irrigation_Costs.pdf