Agricultural watering practices account for approximately 80% of all water use annually in Colorado. By using the information below, agricultural users can better utilize water and keep runoff from being contaminated. Additional information on irrigation and agriculture can be found at Colorado University Cooperative Extension.
- Use a soil-dampening probe to estimate soil moisture content in the rootzone. This will help to determine proper watering times and amounts.
- Apply just enough water to wet the root zone of crops without runoff or deep percolation losses.
- Use reference Evapotranspiration (ET) to help estimate when and how much water to apply.
- Evaluate soil type and crop water use characteristics for each field.
- Check groundwater from wells for the presence of excessive salts.
- Level and size fields, measure water use, and recover tailwater.
- Line or pipe irrigation canals, mains, laterals and drains to eliminate percolation loss.
- Use efficient and improved irrigation technology when economically feasible.