Category: Drip Irrigation News

Subsurface Drip Irrigation is the “Future” for Grain Producers

Some growers in the Midwest have seen “tremendous” yields with subsurface drip irrigation (SDI).  According to a recent article in Midwest Producer, Neil Corey of McCook, Nebraska has been using subsurface drip irrigation on 40 acres of his own crop for 15 years, and has experienced the benefits of subsurface drip irrigation.  Corey says that he has consistently seen yeilds 40-50% more with his subsurface drip irrigated field than a neighboring pivot field.  What’s more, water efficiency for subsurface drip irrigation is more than 90%, as opposed to flood irrigation which is typically 40-50%, or pivot irrigation which is typically 60-70%. Although the conversion may require an up-front cost and a slight learning curve, the payback is relatively quick.  Corey says the efficiency of SDI makes it the future of irrigation. Click here for the entire Midwest Producer article on Subsurface Drip Irrigation.  

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How to Win the Farm Press High Cotton Award

John Wilde, the 2013 Farm Press High Cotton Award winner for the Southwest region, attributes his success to subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), conservation, and controlling root rot. To learn more about John and his award winning field, check out the full Farm Press article: http://southeastfarmpress.com/cotton/john-wilde-2013-farm-press-high-cotton-award-winner-southwest-region?page=3 Congratulations, John!

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AquaFlow 3.2 – Drip Irrigation Design Software UPDATE

The release of AquaFlow 3.2 is Toro’s latest update to its Drip Irrigation Design Software.   AquaFlow 3.2 now allows users to design multi-sloped telescoping sub-mains, and to choose between English or Spanish languages and English or metric units.  In addition, Toro’s new Thinwall dripline is supported in this new version which complements Aqua-Traxx® premium drip tape and BlueLine® dripline.  A summary of the capabilities of AquaFlow 3.2 include: NEW:  Supports Toro’s new Thinwall dripline NEW:  Multi-sloped telescoping sub-mains NEW:  Spanish language NEW:  Metric units NEW:  Improved report printing options NEW:  Ability to import and export designs Unique dashboard format with tiled graphs Instantly generated color-coded block maps that depict system uniformity Easy comparison of two different lateral selections Pull-down menus for easy viewing Multiple slopes in both the lateral and mainline programs Choice of multiple sub-main and mainline pipe types and sizes Lateral and sub-main flushing calculations Customizable reports that

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Archi’s Acres Program Trains Transitioning Veterans in the Sustainable Agriculture Industry

In honor of Veteran’s Day, Toro would like to say a special “thank you” to Archi’s Acres for all they do to support transitioning veterans.  Watch the embedded video to learn more about Archi’s Acres and their inspiring Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program that has trained more than 100 veterans for careers in sustainable agriculture.  Toro is proud to support Colin, Karen, Mike, and the entire Archi’s Acres team.

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Drip Tape Farmer Grows World’s Largest Pumpkin

Pumpkins aren’t just for kids anymore.  Meticulous farmers throughout the country have become practically obsessive about growing giant pumpkins for regional and national contests.  They belong to clubs that not only share information and camaraderie, but require “seed dues” to support their activities to “grow the big one”.  Contestants fret all year – even emailing colleagues in the middle of the night – with high hopes for the winning gourd, prize money (small), and bragging rights (huge).  This year, the bragging rights belong to Quinn Werner, a customer of Dan Kamburoff’s Columbus Irrigation in Ohio, who uses Toro Aqua-Traxx®  drip tape.  Over 500’ of drip tape enveloped the giant 30’ x 30’ vine, in a closely spaced grid pattern, to supply just the right amount of moisture to gain size but without splitting on the way to greatness.  The winner weighed in at 209 pounds, a new world record for traditional,

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Drip Irrigation Designs Help Avoid Problems

When installing a drip irrigation system, there are a lot of things you need to consider.  So in order to get the most out of your drip irrigation system, it is best to consult your local dealer or drip irrigation designer. Check out this article on drip irrigation designs and how Don Masten of Ag Valley in Edison, NE is using Toro’s AquaFlow 3.0 drip irrigation design software for subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) applications:  http://farmfutures.com/story.aspx/design-helps-avoid-problems-drip-irrigation-installations-/13/63723

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Drip Irrigation Maintenance & Monitoring

It’s true, drip irrigation can save water and improve crop yield and production efficiency.  But to maximize the investment, regular maintenance should be performed and start even before the drip irrigation system is installed. For the full story and some drip irrigation maintenance pointers, read Growing Produce’s latest article on the importance of drip irrigation maintenance and monitoring.

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Nebraska Producers Discuss Their Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) Systems

After the year’s extreme drought and looming water restrictions, some field crop producers are adopting subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) to optimize their irrigation efficiency.  Agriculture/Radio reporter Ken Anderson of Brownfield interviewed two drip irrigation pioneers and a local dealer at the 2012 Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, Nebraska where they discussed their experiences, the future of irrigation, and how drip irrigation helped them survive the drought. For audio and full interviews, visit http://brownfieldagnews.com/2012/09/17/nebraska-farmers-talk-about-their-drip-irrigation-systems/  

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In the Midst of Drought, Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) Helps Producers Flourish

As the worst drought in 50 years grips the nation’s farmland, some Nebraska producers are seeing increased yields using significantly fewer water resources.  The trick, they say, is using Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) to deliver water and nutrients directly to the roots of their crops.  This is in contrast to applying water to the surface with gravity or sprinkler irrigation systems. As a result, SDI fields don’t lose precious water to scorching heat or dry winds – and crops are healthier, easier to irrigate, and deliver improved yields at harvest.  “Efficient subsurface drip irrigation is the future of irrigation,” says Ken Seim of Grand Island, Nebraska, who has farmed 1,400 acres of corn and soybeans for over 35 years.  “Flood is about 40 percent efficient, pivots between 60-70 percent efficient, and drip over 90 percent efficient.  We can manage our crops better with less using SDI and, as a result,

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