Recent Ag Publications
AGEN-PU-208 – Center Pivot Irrigation PDF
[expand title=”Read more”]Oct 2021 – The center pivot is the system of choice for agricultural irrigation because of its low labor and maintenance requirements, convenience, flexibility, performance and easy operation. This publications includes complete details on choosing a center pivot design, comparing costs, efficiencies of various water applicators, pivot management, and chemigation with center pivot systems. There is also a section on converting existing systems to low-pressure application. (23 pp., 5 illustrations, 10 tables, 11 color photos, 2 charts). The previous version of this publication was labeled B-6096.[/expand]
AGEN-PU-210 – Center Pivot Irrigation: Dual Units Version PDF
[expand title=”Read more”]Dec 2021 – The center pivot is the system of choice for agricultural irrigation because of its low labor and maintenance requirements, convenience, flexibility, performance and easy operation. This publications includes complete details on choosing a center pivot design, comparing costs, efficiencies of various water applicators, pivot management, and chemigation with center pivot systems. There is also a section on converting existing systems to low-pressure application. (23 pp., 5 illustrations, 10 tables, 11 color photos, 2 charts). The previous version of this publication was labeled B-6096.[/expand]
AGEN-PU-066 – Irrigation Water Quality Standards and Salinity Management Strategies PDF
[expand title=”Read more”]Mar 2021 – Salinity problems, prevalent in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and their effects on crop growth and yield are detailed. Methods of alleviating these problems through seed placement, leaching and other irrigation management techniques are presented. (11 pp., 5 illustrations, 15 tables)[/expand]
AGEN-PU-067 – Calculating Horsepower Requirements and Sizing Irrigation Supply Pipelines PDF
[expand title=”Read more”]Mar 2021 – Pumping costs are often one of the largest single expenses in irrigated agriculture. This publication explains how to lower pumping costs by calculating horsepower requirements and sizing supply pipelines correctly. Examples take the reader through a step-by-step process. A special section deals with selecting PVC pipe. (9 pp., 2 illustrations, 11 tables)[/expand]
AGEN-PU-103 – Surge Flow Irrigation PDF
[expand title=”Read more”]Sep 2013 – Surge flow is not magic, and it is difficult to predict whether it will work for a particular situation. However, where it does work, there are significant benefits. This paper provides a brief overview of surge flow irrigation, and highlights important considerations if you are planning on experimenting with surge flow.[/expand]
B-6218 – Measuring Seepage Losses from Canals Using the Ponding Test Method PDF
[expand title=”Read more”]Jan 2009 – Seepage losses from canals can be significant. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service has measured seepage loss rates ranging from 23 to 1,690 acre-feet per mile (per year) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas (see Table 1). Measuring seepage loss rates is one of the best ways to prioritize canals for maintenance and rehabilitation and determine the effectiveness of canal improvements quantified through pre- and post-rehabilitation testing.[/expand]
AGEN-PU-209 – Center Pivot Workbook PDF
[expand title=”Read more”]Apr 2005 – This workbook is designed to familiarize the user with numerous aspects of center pivot use and maintenance. It includes reading and exercises on topics such as interpreting design printouts, water applicators, and pivot management. (29 pp., 3 illustrations, 5 tables, 10 color photos, 2 charts)[/expand]
AGEN-PU-216 – Center Pivot Workbook – Metric Units Version PDF
[expand title=”Read more”]Apr 2005 – This workbook is designed to familiarize the user with numerous aspects of center pivot use and maintenance. It includes reading and exercises on topics such as interpreting design printouts, water applicators, and pivot management in Metric Units. (29 pp., 3 illustrations, 5 tables, 10 color photos, 2 charts)[/expand]
Recent Landscape Publications
AGEN-PU-219 – Landscape Irrigation Efficiency PDF
[expand title=”Read more”]An efficient irrigation system starts with proper design. The most important irrigation design principles are sprinkler head spacing and operating pressure. Manufacturers publish product specifications that provide the recommended operating pressure of sprinklers and the spacing where each sprinkler should be installed.
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AGEN-PU-218 – Preventing Runoff with Cycle and Soak Irrigation PDF
[expand title=”Read more”]Runoff from landscape irrigation systems is a major source of water loss in Texas. Runoff is most common in compacted and clay soils, and on slopes, but it may occur on any soil if the irrigation system is run too long or if it applies water faster than it can infiltrate into the soil. The best approach to landscape watering is deep and infrequent. (4 pages)
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AGEN-PU-217 – Landscape Irrigation Cycling Quick Guide PDF
[expand title=”Read more”]Runoff from landscape irrigation systems is a major source of water loss in Texas. Runoff is more common in compacted and clay soils, and on slopes. To prevent runoff and water waste, it is best to divide long, daily runtimes into two or more shorter cycles. Multiple shorter cycles during the day are better than increasing the number of watering days during the week. (2 pages)[/expand]
Recent News Releases
Faculty, specialists honored for agricultural engineering excellence – Sep 8, 2023
Landscape irrigation workshops for professionals start Feb. 14 – Jan 31, 2023
Cutting-edge water conservation: Houston and Corpus Christi adopt WaterMyYard app – Aug 28, 2023
Reports and Papers
Smart Controller report- Evaluating the Operation of Residential WIFI Based Irrigation Controllers (December 2018)
Meeting paper- Evolution of Smart Irrigation Controllers: A 15 Year Texas Perspective December (2020)
Meeting paper- The Status of ET (Evapotranspiration) Networks in the United States December (2021)