Flood or Furrow Irrigation BMPs
1.6 Maximize irrigation
efficiency and uniformity on surface irrigated fields. Upgrade the irrigation
system and/or equipment as feasible to improve delivery and application
efficiency. For example:
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Install surge system irrigation
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Install gated pipe
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Decrease set time
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Level fields
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Use tail water recovery systems
1.7 Concrete-lined irrigation
water delivery ditches will reduce seepage losses. Where feasible, install
surface or underground pipelines to convey irrigation water.
Chemigation & Fertigation BMPs
1.8 Fertigation can be
used to apply nitrogen (N) fertilizer with high efficiency irrigation systems.
Application of fertilizer in water is discouraged except in high efficiency
systems due to potential runoff or leaching of fertilizer nutrients.
1.9 Always read and follow
the chemical label prior to chemigation. Chemigation with fertilizer or
pesticide must be performed in accordance with the rules of the Colorado
Chemigation Act. For more information, contact your local Colorado State
University Cooperative Extension office. Chemigation is not recommended
with any low efficiency surge systems and is discouraged with conventional
flood or furrow irrigation systems.
1.10 Reduce water application
rate to ensure no runoff or deep percolation occurs during chemigation
sets. Avoid chemigation when rainfall is forecast or when additional water
is not needed by the crop. Adjust the irrigation schedule to account for
water applied during chemigation. |
Figure 5: Typical irrigation water movement under alternate
furrow N and water application
1.11 Frequently inspect
chemigation tanks, lines, pumps, backflow prevention devices, and other
safety devices regularly to ensure proper functioning and containment.
Replace all worn or non-functional components immediately.
1.12 Upgrade well condition
to reduce the possibility of point source contamination at the wellhead.
Handle chemicals carefully around the wellhead and chemigation site. Clean
up any fertilizer or pesticide spill immediately to avoid well contamination.
Sprinkler Irrigation BMPs
1.13 Minimize deep percolation
on sprinkler irrigated fields by applying the amount of water required
to replace that used by crop ET.
1.14 Minimize surface runoff
on sprinkler irrigated fields by adjusting depth of application, increasing
surface residue, or changing nozzle configuration, height, and droplet
size as appropriate.
1.15 Periodically calibrate
sprinklers for depth of application, gallonage, pressure, uniformity and
timer accuracy. |
