Irrigation
Few Idaho environments and small grain production systems can support maximum production without supplemental watering, especially in southern Idaho. In all systems it is generally the most limiting factor to both production and quality. In irrigated systems it is a significant production cost if not the single greatest production expense of an enterprise. Optimal irrigation maximizes the economic returns to the enterprise while minimizing adverse effects on water quality.
Irrigation has substantial effects on other crop production elements including fertilizer use efficiency, diseases, and weed control. Irrigation needs to be considered in relation to these other elements. This is particularly critical for soluble and mobile nitrogen (N) such as nitrates that are easily leached with the wetting front beyond the reach of the root system. Excessive irrigation leads in turn to additional or higher N applications, reduced financial returns, and greater potential for ground water contamination.
Water Management Publications
Irrigation Scheduling PNW 288 online
Irrigation Scheduling Using Water-Use Tables CIS 1039 online
Managing Irrigation and Nitrogen for Moravian Barley in Southern Idaho CIS 365 Hard copy only