IRRIGATION

IN

MONTANA

MOST SYSTEMS IN PLACE

FOR MANY YEARS

SURFACE IRRIGATION TYPES

• WILD FLOODING

• CONTOUR DITCH

• BORDERS

• FURROWS

CONTOUR DITCH

PERMANENT CROPS

STEEP SLOPES, LITTLE SMOOTHING

SOMETIMES REPLACED WITH GATED PIPE

BORDER IRRIGATION

• ALMOST ALWAYS GRADED BORDERS

• ALFALFA, GRAINS• MAY BE USED IN

SHORT ROTATIONS WITH FURROW

CROPS

FURROW IRRIGATION

MOSTLY IN THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER BASIN

Gated Pipe Systems

Great increase in use since cost share began in late 1980’s.

PROBLEM

AREAS

WATER QUALITY

• Late season (>July) water quality/volume declines.• Leaching component must be applied in the spring.• Conversion to center pivots may not be feasible.

LACK OF WATER MEASUREMENT

LEADS TO OTHER PROBLEMS

OVER IRRIGATION AND EROSION

ENCOURAGE USE OF PAMENCOURAGE USE OF PAM

CONVERSION TO SPRINKLERS

LABOR SAVINGS + MANAGEMENT

SPRINKLER APPLICATIONS

SIDE ROLL OR WHEEL ROLL

Pressure effects distribution

SO DOES WIND!!

WIND ROSEDATA

UNIFORM, LIGHT WINDS

• Catch Can Evaluations

3 Dimensional Patterns

Pattern graphic

OLD IMPACT-STYLE PIVOTS

LOW PRESSURE PIVOTS

LEPA - Bubbler mode 8”-18” above soil, or drag socks

OLD and NEW TOOLS