SURFACE 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

EQIP CONVERSION TO SPRINKLERS

LABOR SAVINGS + MANAGEMENT

FINALLY, THE BOTTOM LINE:

PROFITABLE CONSERVATION