Vasudha Sharma, Extension irrigation specialist While we all would like summer to last a little longer, the reality is that winter is just around the corner. Many of you must be wrapping up all of the farm operations. If you have an irrigation system on your farm, this is the perfect time to consider “winterizing” it. Irrigation systems should be checked thoroughly at the end of the fall season to maintain proper operation for the coming growing season. Below are some basic steps that can be followed to protect your irrigation system as well as to ensure that the system is ready for the next growing season: Conduct the uniformity test and check the sprinkler performance Perform a “catch can” uniformity test to ensure that system is applying water uniformly and if there are any leaks, missing or damaged sprinklers, damaged pipes, regulators, etc., that needs to be repaired or replaced. The details about the uniformity test can be found at https://z.umn.edu/IrrigationUnifr...
