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Producers relying on the Odessa aquifer often face the challenge of insufficient water to meet crop needs throughout the entire growing season. By switching from conventional pivot sprinkler systems (with an efficiency rate of 85%) to mobile drip irrigation (MDI) systems (which achieve up to 95% efficiency), growers could potentially gain an additional 5 inches of water during the growing season. This increase could be the key to ensuring crops receive sufficient water throughout the season.
MDI systems combine the precise water application of traditional drip irrigation with the mobility of a center pivot system. This innovative approach allows growers to manage water resources more efficiently throughout all stages of crop growth. MDI reduces water waste by applying water directly to the soil, cutting down on energy use, nutrient loss, and crop protection costs. It also minimizes issues like foliar wetting, salt damage, and evaporation, helping crops thrive while conserving essential resources.
In July, members of the Voluntary Stewardship Program’s Statewide Advisory Committee joined the Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD) for a field day where we visited with Derek Friehe, a local producer who is piloting MDI technology in the basin. The conservation benefits that Derek is seeing are encouraging.
Although MDI technology has been around for years, recent advancements have made it one of the most efficient irrigation methods available. Growers adopting MDI often experience significant improvements in water-use efficiency and cost reduction.
CBCD is currently providing cost share for producers interested in adopting MDI technology. For more information visit www.columbiabasincd.org/mdi.
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