Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Tuesday October 9, 2007 (8:00am to 5:00pm) The meeting of the W-1128 group started at 8:00 am on Tuesday October 9, 2007 at the Ocean Resort Hotel, Honolulu HI. Dr. Ali Fares (University of Hawaii) presented the schedule for the meeting including for the field visit at Waimanalo Agricultural Experimental Station of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii, for Thursday October 11, 2007. The meeting agenda was presented by the Chairman, Dr. Mick ONeill of New Mexico State University. Dr. LeRoy Daugherty, the Administrative Advisor, discussed the issues regarding the 3 year review this past summer and the future renewal of the project. Dr. Daugherty talked about concerns for documenting outcomes (especially multi-state outcome) for the project. He mentioned a future water conference in Reno, NV. He informed the participants that NRI announced there RFP two weeks ago; a letter of intent is needed before submitting the full project proposal. Dr. Daugherty discussed the federal budget. The funds which were in earmark accounts with CSREES were moved to the Hatch account. Hatch funds may increase in this years appropriation. The proposed changes in the organization of USDA as proposed by CREATE 21 were discussed. The proposal is accessible at www.create-21.org. He indicated integrated projects are viewed favorably and the Create-21 proposal is supported by Experiment Station leaders. The Administrative Advisor reminded the participants that it is time to write NRI proposals. Dr. ONeill mentioned that AR and TX were very successful for the South Central Sun Grants Initiative. The theme of the Initiative is cellulosic conversion for liquid fuels. They emphasized that a refinery of the envisaged size would require 1,000,000 dry tons of biofuel per year to produce the projected quantity of liquid fuel. To achieve this production level, a constant daily feedstock supply of 5,500 tons of biomass will be required which must be supplied by approximately 225 trucks each day unloading at a rate of 1 truck every 3 minutes. Dr. Daugherty told the group that bioenergy, bioconversion, and other related topics are of interests to many funding agencies followed by environmental issues. Discussion on the New Proposal for the W-1128 Group Objective 1: Survey for Microirrigation (Coordinator Dr. Freddie Lamm) The group was informed that in Kansas State the team visited some of the producers; they believe that most problems are related to management and misunderstanding of some of the entries in the survey. Overall, they are very satisfied. People have difficulties with the early systems i.e., design and management problems. Dr. Ken Shackel wants a copy of the survey. Dr. Mahboub Alam and Dr. Freddie Lamm told that the survey has been posted online since 2005. It was discussed that there is lots of expansion of sub-surface irrigation in Texas and should the contents of the survey be specific to each state or should be generalized. Dr. Gary Clark suggested documenting how much have been achieved from this survey. Dr. Dana Porter (Vice Chairman) pointed out that county agents have established some type of survey of their own emphasizing on the education component. She told that as she took to take data from the extension reports and analyze them. She added that the rodents may become a problem because of the use of corn and sorghum. Switching from cotton to corn under flood irrigation impacts the irrigation frequency. It was also mentioned that cotton in TX is increasing but decreasing in CA. Survey for Water Availability and Water Use It was told that no one is working on this survey any more in Kansas State. The survey we used to help our growers. It was discussion that to wrap up the 5 year report it is better to use last year report for that. The group was also informed that there is interest on sending the survey to other growers in other states. Dr. Gary Clark suggested that it may be a good idea to interview the county agents instead of the growers. The group was informed that in CA its difficult to get feedback from participants because they are over surveyed and in Kansas State the success rate is 33% which is a very good rate. The disclaimers are very helpful in getting reply/feedback. Dr. Muluneh Yitayew (Arizona) inquired about the objective behind the survey. Dr. Lamm responded that it is very important to know the barriers. Dr. Daugherty told that ARS is developing an Irrigation Survey and it might be a good idea to contact ARS. The discussion was wrapped up with the information that Dr. Lamm has a webpage to get the information that was submitted. The work should be continued. People might want to do it one time but not periodically. Dr. Mick ONeill suggested that in case any one wants to conduct the survey, he/she should get in touch with Dr. Lamm and Dr. Alam. Objective 2: (a) System Design and Hydraulics, (b) System Installation and Performance Dr. Gary Clark emphasized to make drafting committee for next project and the responsible person for next report. Dr. Clark told that he has information and data about system design, water treatment practices and filter performance, and lab tests and complete field studies on clogging. Dr. Larry Schwankl mentioned about a manual on maintenance and clogging he developed and which is going to be printed soon. It was decided that Dr. Schwankl will take a lead with the help of Dr. Lamm and Dr. Porter to compile all the information and data to draft a project on emitter clogging and the effect of stretching the tube on its performance for waste water delivery. This will include a summary page about the findings. The project may be available on a webpage for inputs. The objectives may include solution for iron and calcium clogging and maintenance of the system with emphasis on clogging. Objective 3: ET and Irrigation Scheduling Different methods are useful for ET estimation and irrigation scheduling. Dr. Lamm discussed that relative crop yield as a function of relative water use. The average response does not reflect water use variability from year to year. There is a problem with the definition of the term total water use because it includes runoff and excess losses drainage. This may introduce Irrigation Deficit Integral, IDI. Dr. Kenneth Shackel suggested comparing a crop yield data with Dr. Lamms IDI data. Relative ET, crop coefficient (Kc) and potential ET are also needed. Additionally, a detailed precipitation data is needed to reasonably determine effective rainfall. The data should represent as many years as possible, may be in shape of a spreadsheet. Dr. Shackel will work on it. New Project Dr. Clint Shock presented a talk on his microirrigation work on Potato. The group discussed work on potential new research topics including: " Water and energy, " Food security, " Water scarcity, " Reclaimed water from urban areas and from industrial, " Use and dispose of water to drip system. The proposed project would have sound objectives based on above discussion and proper methodology to adopt. Dr. Gary Clark suggested emphasizing on plant and system based major categories. The prior will address (a) crop water use and production, and (b) scheduling and management. The later will deal with filtration and treatments control issues. Dr. Muluneh Yitayew suggested working on a) energy efficiency under micro-irrigation and b) micro-irrigation under urban settings. The project has several other suggested topics that could be addressed including: " Rodent management in SDI " Clogging management " Energy use efficiency in MI " Germination management " Wastewater use " Urban water management " Differential plant response to irrigation system/management " Overcoming thermal limitations using SDI " WERA011: Western Regional Turfgrass Research This ended the Tuesdays activity. The participants were taken to Casablanca, a Moroccan food restaurant, at 19 Hoolai St. Kailua, HI 96734. The dinner was from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm during which the participants continued informal discussion. Pick and drop service was provided. Wednesday October 10, 2007 (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) The group resumed discussion on Wednesday October 10, 2007 at the same location. They continued discussing the title of new research topic for the group. The selected title was Microirrigation for sustainable water use and environmental stewardship was proposed. Several other titles were suggested for further discussion including " Microirrigation for water conservation and enhanced plant productivity. " Microirrigation to improve water conservation and plant productivity. State presentations Dr. Lawrence Parsons (University of Florida) presented a talk on How to Live with Less Water. Craig Stanley also presented a talk. Dr. Mahboub Alam gave talked about the survey and their help to different stake holders on clogging. Dr. George Floyd Vance and also delivered a presentation. Elvin Roman-Paoli gave Puerto Ricos report. Dr. Dana Porter and Dr. Clarence Prestwich also gave their oral presentations. Dr. Schwankl talked briefly about his new extension book on how to diagnose clogging and find solutions. Dr. Clark talked about preventive measures. The industry welcomes this effort and may support it. Dr. Clark needs a volunteer to help him. Business meeting: It was decided to update the website. Currently all the annual reports are on the NIMSS site. Dr. Clint Shock suggested that we need to standardize the reporting e.g., Arial 12 fonts in Word format. Dr. ONeill suggested sending presentations in a pdf format. It was also decided to send a report to Dr. Daugherty within 60 days. The report should approximately comprise 1200 characters including milestones and objectives. The coordinators should send their input to be a part of this report. The deadline to get individual inputs was set to November 9, 2007. Following people will send the material: Gary Clark, Freddie Lamm, Kenneth Shackel, Clint Shock and Craig Stanley. Next meeting of the group will be held October 22-24, 2008 in Portland, OR.

Microirrigation Survey (Objective 1. Coordinator: Freddie Lamm) Report from Dana Porter, TAMU: In 2006, estimates by Jim Bordovsky (Texas Agricultural Experiment Station) and Paul Colaizzi (USDA-ARS, Bushland) indicated that there were as many as 100,000 ha of subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) in the Texas High Plains. By far the majority of the SDI irrigation in the region is for cotton irrigation. Other SDI crops include alfalfa, vegetables, corn, wine grapes and other crops. Commercial installation of SDI systems continues to expand microirrigation application in the region. With recent increases in grain and oilseed prices, some SDI irrigated land in predominantly cotton areas (such as the Texas Southern High Plains) is expected to produce corn, sorghum and other crops. This may increase concerns about salinity accumulation in the root zone, rodent damage to tape laterals, and root intrusion into emitters. Factors affecting the high rate of SDI adoption in the Texas High Plains: Paul Colaizzis work addresses the issues well: high and fluctuating fuel costs, limited (and declining) irrigation well capacity, and potential for high yields and WUE. USDA-NRCS EQIP cost-share funds have assisted with purchase of low pressure center pivots (LEPA & LESA) and SDI systems to replace furrow irrigated systems (primarily) and to upgrade from other less efficient irrigation systems. Farm journals (including Southwest Farm Press), and local media (water district newspapers, radio programs, etc.) have kept SDI in the spotlight for several years. Increasing numbers of experienced dealers, designers, installers, etc. in the area continue to build the equipment and expertise "infrastructure" and contribute to the high level of marketing. Further south and west (Pecos and Garden City, TX areas), very low well capacities make SDI an option where there is just not enough water to run center pivots. SDI works in soils and topographies where furrow irrigation does not work as well. SDI is also a good fit in fields that are small or are otherwise not well suited to center pivots. Limitations: Initial cost is a big issue. Problems with crop germination and rodent damage are real issues in some areas. Jim Bordovskys work has done a lot to address some of the water quality induced maintenance issues (manganese problem.) Extension and research personnel regularly receive inquiries regarding water quality suitability for SDI and for information about acid injection and other maintenance requirements. Support for County Extension Faculty: Program planning efforts with Extension agents in the Texas High Plains (Panhandle and South Plains) and Rolling Plains regions indicate that there is local demand for educational events that address microirrigation related topics, including management, maintenance, and trouble-shooting. In response to these needs, the topics were included in a regionally standardized strategic plan that includes program evaluation instruments and information resources lists. Dana Porter coordinated these tasks with a team of twelve Extension agents and specialists. Report from Mike Bartolo, CSU A questionnaire was sent out to 173 growers in the Patterson Hollow area in late February of 2005 with 20 questions pertaining to drip irrigation. Patterson Hollow is located in the Arkansas River Valley of SE Colorado near the town of Rocky Ford. Forty-six (46) survey questionnaires were returned. Of those reporting, 4 respondents were presently using drip irrigation, 17 were interested in learning more about drip irrigation and felt it would benefit their operations, 2 were interested in only learning more about drip irrigation and 27 indicated they had no interest in drip irrigation or it didn't fit their farming operations. It should be noted that along with our survey, the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District has sponsored 6 or more workshops in the area over the past two years. The workshops explain the various facets of drip irrigation. Objective 2. System Design and Hydraulics To reduce technical barriers associated with microirrigation system design, performance, and maintenance (Annual Report  Gary Clark, Kansas State University) Microirrigation with livestock wastewater. An engineering feasibility emitter discharge study showed that the drip irrigation laterals used with SDI have potential for use with beef lagoon effluent. However, the smaller emitter sizes normally used with groundwater sources to maximize zone size and length of run may be risky for use with lagoon effluent. Emitter discharge in the range of 1.5 to 2.3 L/hr-emitter performed well over the course of four seasons and resulted in little clogging. The results from a swine effluent agronomic study indicate that SDI can result in better corn production with less water, less nitrogen volatilization and less leaching than LEPA sprinkler irrigation. Results from using livestock lagoon water (beef, dairy, and swine) through high flow drip emitters (11 L/hr at 105 kPa) showed no measurable change in flow rate. The emitters were periodically flushed with freshwater. A hydraulic performance and maintenance field test with four heavy walls, polyethylene pipe drip tubing products and livestock lagoon wastewater was conducted. Drip tube laterals included two pressure compensating emitters and two non-compensating emitters. All emitters had nominal flow rates of about 3.5 L/hr. One of the compensating emitter laterals and one of the non-compensating emitter laterals were marketed for use with wastewater while the alternative products were for normal irrigation water use. The tubes were installed as 24.4 m long laterals on 1.2 m centers, and were 0.60-m deep. The system was operated through the 2004 and 2005 summer seasons. Tubing flow rates were monitored with flow meters on individual laterals with minimal flow rate changes within any of the different tubes. Treatment with acidified water (pH=2) cleared up most clogging. Two studies evaluated the use of livestock lagoon wastewater (beef, dairy, and swine) with drip irrigation of poplar trees. In a lysimeter study, trees were grown on a sandy soil that had very little nutrient content prior to the study. Irrigation with livestock lagoon wastewater resulted in significant growth increases (height and trunk diameter) over irrigation with only freshwater. Leaf mass, woody mass, and root mass were all significantly greater from the lagoon irrigation treatments. In a field study poplar trees were grown on a silty clay loam soil that was previously used for application of livestock wastes and had substantial levels of soil N and P. In the field study, poplar trees that were irrigated with only fresh water resulted in larger trunk diameters than trees that were irrigated with livestock lagoon water. However, tree height and crown area were not different. The amount of soil nitrate-N was also significantly greater for the lagoon irrigated trees. Lab hydraulic studies on microirrigation products. Lab studies were initiated to evaluate the hydraulic performance of emitters from collapsible drip tubing after stretching. A stretching apparatus was designed and constructed to stretch short sections (2-m) of collapsible drip irrigation tubing. Initial studies stretched tubing samples by 10% for 1 hour. Hydraulic performance of drip emitters was measured before and after stretching at operating pressures of 55, 69, and 83 kPa. Preliminary data indicate that one type of drip tubing has resulted in increased emitter flowrates ranging from 3 to 5 percent as a result of stretching. A second drip tubing type had minimal change in emitter discharge at the 55 and 69 kPa settings and a 1 to 2 percent increase in flow at the 83 kPa pressure setting. Additional lab tests are to be repeated and continued with other tubing samples. Draft handbook of maintenance of microirrigation systems A draft version of a handbook has been developed by L. Schwankl, B. Hanson and T. Prichard. The current draft is in review. " ET and Irrigation Scheduling (Objective 3) " Nutrient Dynamics (Objective 3) " Micro-Environmental Effects (Objective 3) Objective 3: SDI Installation issues Progress Report: The present disk bedding implement used by KSU-NWREC sometimes results in non-uniform seedbeds in terms of soil water, residue and firmness. In the summer of 2006, an effort was made to add a rolling cage firmer to the existing disk bedder. A study area was established to evaluate three bedding technologies (Conventional, Beds firmed by Rolling Cage, Beds shaved in spring) under three different levels of spring preseason subsurface drip irrigation (75, 150 or 225 mm). This study was to be conducted during the 2007 summer planting season but was postponed due to wet spring conditions negating germination issues. It is on schedule for 2008. Corn production is being examined under four emitter spacings of 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 or 1.2 m with concurrent soil water measurements. Results from 2006 and observations to date in 2007 indicate that there are no differences in corn yields for these emitter spacings. These data along with earlier data suggest that there is increased soil water movement along the dripline as compared to perpendicular movement away from the dripline. Emitter discharges of 0.68, 0.91 and 1.36 L/h at a depth of 32 mm were compared for near surface soil water redistribution suitable for germination. The results varied with antecedent soil water and compaction conditions but suggest that changing emitter flow rates is unlikely to be very effective in improving germination on this soil type in the range of practical emitter flowrates. The results are still being analyzed. Two papers have been written and presented during the current year concerning wastewater application with a SDI. A paper describing the agronomic aspects of two years of research comparing SDI and LEPA sprinkler application of swine effluent for corn production was presented at the Irrigation Association Technical Conference, San Antonio, Texas, November 5-7, 2006. A second summary paper of both earlier engineering and agronomic research is being presented at the International Symposium on Air Quality and Waste Management for Agriculture, Broomfield, Colorado, Sept. 15-19, 2007. Important conclusions The results from the engineering feasibility emitter discharge study show that the drip irrigation laterals used with SDI have potential for use with beef lagoon effluent. However, the smaller emitter sizes normally used with groundwater sources to maximize zone size and length of run may be risky for use with lagoon effluent. Emitter discharge in the range of 1.5 to 2.3 L/hr-emitter performed well over the course of four seasons and resulted in little clogging. The results from the swine effluent agronomic study indicate that SDI can result in better corn production with less water, less nitrogen volatilization and less leaching than LEPA sprinkler irrigation. Additionally, the summary paper provides a detailed discussion of design and operational guidelines useful when planning application of wastewater through SDI systems. Objective 3: ET and Irrigation Scheduling Multi-year, multi-location comparison of soil-, plant and ET-based irrigation scheduling procedures for microirrigation The 2007 milestone was to develop preliminary descriptions/guidelines for use of various irrigation scheduling procedures and identification of specific conditions where certain methods are inadequate. However, a thorough statistical analysis of the data (part of the 2006 milestone) was a pre-requisite for this milestone, and this analysis has been more difficult to accomplish than anticipated. Accomplishments: ET, applied water and crop yield data from CA, IA, KS, NM, OR and TX was compiled into a standardized format and analyzed using two independent statistical approaches. Both approaches (ANCOVA and smoothed splines) demonstrated a trend in the data of improved maintenance of yield with less applied water for plant-based irrigation scheduling methods compared to soil-based methods, with ET-based methods intermediate. Impacts: If these results are confirmed with additional data and with experiments that are designed specifically to compare the different methods, then the initial impact will probably be a re-evaluation of the widely-held assumption that irrigation management must be based on Evapotranspiration (ET). As part of this re-evaluation, alternative irrigation management approaches such as regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) may lead to substantial water savings. Objective 3: Nutrient Dynamics Protecting Water Quality Through the Use of Effective Water and Nutrient Management Practices for Strawberry Production (Ali Fares, University of Hawaii, Clint Shock, Oregon State University, and Craig Stanley, University of Florida) A project to evaluate the effectiveness of water and nutrient management practices for drip-irrigated strawberry production under a range of soil type and individual grower management levels finished it third year. Water and nutrients leached below the root zone was collected weekly using passive wick collectors installed on 11 commercial strawberry growers fields for the entire growing season. Estimates of seasonal NO3-N losses were determined from quantity and concentration of the weekly collected samples (8 replications per site). Results were very consistent with the two previous years in that overall, there was little seasonal variability of nitrate-N leached from each site at each farm. Individual farm irrigation and nutrient management likely influenced the overall leached N compared to other farms, but soil type may have influence leaching for those farms where similar management intensity occurred regardless of soil type. It would be assumed that the same conclusion could be drawn for other growers using similar management practices. Impact of the results The results have demonstrated to strawberry producers the benefits of using effective BMPs for strawberry production and have been very instrumental for increasing the number of strawberry producers signing up for a State of Florida voluntary BMP adoption program which gives growers a presumed compliance status with regard to future legal actions against them for surface and groundwater contamination issues as long as they use documented BMPs Effect of livestock manure amendment types and levels on nitrate availability and leaching under micro-irrigated sweet corn Two experiments were conducted in Waimanalo and Poamoho research stations of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, the University of Hawaii-Manoa. The objective was to study the effect of livestock manure amendment types (Chicken, dairy, and Synthetic fertilizer), rates (0, 150, 300, and 600 lbs/acre total N equivalent) and level (One and two time applications) on nitrate availability and leaching under sweet corn crop irrigated with drip irrigation system and grown on leeward and windward sides of the Island of Oahu, HI. Experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experiment included 24 plots, (6 x 60 ft each). Soil solution suction cup lysimeters were installed at 30 and 60cm depths to monitor NO3-N movement within and below root zone, respectively. The results showed a significant difference of manure amendment types, rates and levels of NO3-N concentration within and below root zone. The concentration of NO3-N varied throughout the growing season. The reason was likely the mineralization of manure amendment treatments, spatially and temporally variable rainfall events, and plant growth stages. The crop yield was as expected and sufficient nutrients were available to the plants throughout the growing season. This was because of use of micro-irrigation system which supplies irrigation to the crops as and when needed. Iron chlorosis on micro-irrigated poplar Micro-irrigated poplar tends to develop what appears to be iron chlorosis on alkaline soils. Foliar application of iron products, water run iron chelate, and broadcast applications of sulfur have failed to correct the chlorosis. Concentrated placement of iron products is being tested to overcome this problem.

Christianson, L.E. 2007. Poplar Phytoremediation Plantation Management. MS Thesis, Kansas State University. Christianson, Laura, Stacy Hutchinson, Gary Clark, and Charles Barden. 2007. Management Implications for a Poplar Phytoremediation Plantation. Oral Presentation. ASABE Annual Intl Meeting. Minneapolis, MN. ASABE Paper No. 077098. Lamm, F. R. T. P. Trooien, and A. J. Schlegel. 2006. Applying swine effluent with SDI and LEPA sprinkler irrigation. Proc. 27th Annual Int´l. Irrigation Assoc. Tech. Conf., San Antonio, Texas, November 5-7, 2008. Available from Irrigation Association, Falls Church, VA. Paper No. IA06-1517. pp. 513-526. Lamm, F. R. T. P. Trooien, and A. J. Schlegel. 2006. Applying swine effluent with SDI and LEPA sprinkler irrigation. Proc. 27th Annual Intl. Irrigation Assoc. Tech. Conf., San Antonio, Texas, November 5-7, 2008. Available from Irrigation Association, Falls Church, VA. Paper No. IA06-1517. pp. 513-526. Lamm, F. R. T. P. Trooien, and A. J. Schlegel. 2007. Application and Utilization of livestock effluent through SDI systems. International Symposium on Air Quality and Waste Management for Agriculture, Broomfield, Colorado, Sept. 15-19, 2007. ASABE, St. Joseph Michigan. CD-Rom. Lombard, K, S.C. Forster-Cox, D. Smeal, and M.K.ONeill. 2006. Diabetes on the Navajo nation: what role can gardening and agriculture extension play to reduce it? Journal of Rural and Remote Health. http://rrh.deakin.edu.au/articles/showarticlenew.asp?ArticleID=640 ONeill, M.K. and M.M. West (eds.) 2007. Fortieth Annual Progress Report: 2006 Cropping Season. With contributions from R.N. Arnold, D. Smeal, R. Heyduck, C.K. Owen, Z. Williams, K.D. Kohler, and K. Lombard. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. New Mexico State University. Las Cruces, NM. http://cahe.nmsu.edu/aes/farm/documents/nmsu-annrpt-2006-full.pdf Pablo, R.G., M.K. ONeill, B.D. McCaslin, M. D. Remmeng, J. Keenan. 2007. Evaluation of corn grain yield and water use efficiency using subsurface drip irrigation. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture. 30(1). 153-172. DOI: 10.1300/J064v30n01_10. Roberts, M.L. 2006. Evaluation of poplar trees with livestock lagoon wastewater. MS Thesis. Kansas State University. Román-Paoli, E., D. Sotomayor-Ramírez. 2006. New Fertigation Recommendations for Cassava on Non-Traditional Production System. Proc. 42 Annual Meeting. Caribbean Food Crop Society. P.437-442.