Grange Network

6 Drip Irrigation Resources and Tools from Toro Ag

Whether you’ve been using a drip irrigation system for years, or if you are considering drip irrigation for the first time, we have a number of drip irrigation resources to help you at every point along the way! Over the years, our talented team of experts has created some helpful guides, tools, videos, and webpages to help growers, like you, learn about drip irrigation and get the most from a drip system. Here are 6 of the many drip irrigation resources and tools that Toro has to offer.

6 Drip Irrigation Resources and Tools from Toro Ag Read More »

Pivot Sprinkler Irrigation Economic Comparison

Although center pivot sprinkler irrigation (CP) is the predominant irrigation method in the US Great Plains, there is growing interest in the use of subsurface drip irrigation (SDI). Pressurized irrigation systems, in general, are a costly investment. Producers need to carefully determine their best investment options. In 2002, Kansas State University developed a free Microsoft Excel template to compare the economics of center pivot sprinkler irrigation and subsurface drip irrigation for field corn (maize) production.

This template has been updated annually with new input and revenue costs and assumptions. Important factors that have always affected CP and SDI competitiveness are field size and shape suitable for center pivot sprinkler irrigation and longevity of SDI system allowing longer amortization of its greater initial cost. The primary factors that allow SDI to have greater economic competitiveness than was the case in 2002 are greater corn yields and corn price. Using the base assumptions in the template for a square 160 acre field, an SDI system lasting at least 11 years can be cost competitive with a center pivot sprinkler with a life of 25 years.

Click here to find out how SDI compares economically to CP irrigation and to download the whitepaper, “Comparison of SDI and Center Pivot Sprinkler Economics.” Or,

Pivot Sprinkler Irrigation Economic Comparison Read More »

WEBINAR REVIEW: Making Drip Irrigation Pay

Last week, we blogged about a free webinar produced by the Grange Network called “Making Drip Pay” that discussed how to increase income, reduce costs, and improve flexibility with drip irrigation. Led by Inge Bisconer of Toro Micro-Irrigation, the webinar highlighted how growers have quickly paid for the investment. For example, Chris and Stephen Cox, a father son team in Kansas, paid for their $1,100 per acre system in 1.5 years by increasing corn yields by 100 bushels per acre, and by reducing costs by about $160 per acre. They also received $330/acre of EQIP cost share.

WEBINAR REVIEW: Making Drip Irrigation Pay Read More »

Scroll to Top