Irrigation practices in MN: Benefits and risks, partnerships & the importance of nutrient management

Irrigation in Minnesota. Photo: UMN Extension

Irrigation is the topic of discussion of today's episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are current irrigation conditions in Minnesota? How is the aquifer in the Central Sands region recharged, and why is it so important to manage nutrients efficiently when irrigating? What new irrigation and nutrient management research is being conducted by the University of Minnesota? What are some of the benefits and risks associated with irrigation - and what practices might a farmer want to focus on first? What partnerships and financial resources are available for Minnesota farmers interested in adopting irrigation practices? Are there smaller practices that a grower new to irrigation might want to consider? What have farmers reported back to our panelists after having adopted irrigation practices? What are irrigation practices like throughout the rest of the country, and how does Minnesota differ? All this and more on today's episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast.

Read the full transcript

Guests:

• Vasu Sharma, Extension irrigation specialist, Dept. of Soil, Water, and Climate (St. Paul)
• Carl Rosen, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)
• Tim Gieseke, Extension educator, Ag Water Management (Mankato)

Additional Resources:

• Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
• National Resources Conservation Service - Minnesota
• Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Districts
• Research shows precision irrigation technology can improve irrigation water productivity in corn
• Irrigation Management
• Nutrient management for irrigated crops in MN: Corn, potatoes, & edible beans

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Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.