What is an irrigation pivot?
An irrigation pivot, or center pivot, is a sprinkler irrigation system that rotates around a central point to apply water to crops. Pivots are commonly used on agricultural land because they can efficiently irrigate large areas with relatively consistent water application. AgWest Land Brokers regularly markets properties with irrigation systems and can help buyers understand the irrigation features of a property.
How does a center pivot work?
A center pivot is anchored at a central point and uses a series of connected towers and sprinkler pipes that rotate around that point. Water is pumped into the system and distributed through sprinklers or other application devices as the pivot moves across the field. The system’s size, design, water supply, and application rate determine how much acreage it can irrigate.
What is a corner system?
A corner system is an extension added to certain center pivots that allows the irrigation system to reach additional acreage in the corners of a field. The extension swings outward when needed and retracts as the pivot returns to its normal path. Corner systems can increase the percentage of a field that can be irrigated.
What is flood irrigation?
Flood irrigation is a method of applying water by allowing it to flow across the surface of a field. It is an older irrigation method that can be effective in areas with suitable terrain, soils, and water availability, but it generally requires different field preparation and management than sprinkler irrigation.
What is subsurface drip irrigation?
Subsurface drip irrigation, or SDI, uses buried drip lines to deliver water directly into the soil near the crop’s root zone. It can provide precise water application and reduce certain types of evaporation and runoff. SDI systems require specialized installation and maintenance and are used on some high-value or intensively managed agricultural land.
What is gravity irrigation?
Gravity irrigation uses the natural force of gravity to move water across a field rather than relying primarily on pressurized sprinkler equipment. Flood and furrow irrigation are common examples. The effectiveness of gravity irrigation depends heavily on field slope, soil type, water availability, and field design.
What is dryland farming?
Dryland farming is crop production that relies primarily on natural precipitation rather than irrigation. Dryland yields can vary significantly depending on rainfall, soil type, weather, and farming practices. AgWest Land Brokers can help buyers compare the productivity and market value of dryland and irrigated properties.
What is a certified irrigation well?
A certified irrigation well is a groundwater well that has been properly registered or certified under the applicable state and local requirements. In Nebraska, irrigation wells and groundwater use are regulated through the state’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), with requirements varying by location. Buyers should verify the status and documentation of irrigation wells before purchasing a property.
How deep are irrigation wells?
Irrigation well depths vary significantly depending on location, geology, aquifer conditions, and the intended use of the well. In Nebraska, wells can range from relatively shallow to several hundred feet deep. AgWest Land Brokers can help buyers review available well records, including depth and pumping information, when evaluating an irrigated property.
How much water does corn need?
Corn’s water needs vary based on weather, soil type, growth stage, planting date, and other conditions. A mature corn crop can use several inches of water during periods of peak demand, with total seasonal water needs often around 20–25 inches when considering both rainfall and irrigation. Local conditions can significantly change the amount of supplemental irrigation required.
How many acres can one irrigation well water?
There is no single acreage limit for every irrigation well. The amount of land a well can adequately irrigate depends on pumping capacity, available water, crop water requirements, irrigation system efficiency, soil type, and local regulations. AgWest Land Brokers can help buyers review well capacity and irrigated acreage when evaluating a property.
How long do irrigation pivots last?
A well-maintained center pivot can often operate for 20–30 years or more, although individual components may need to be repaired or replaced during its lifetime. Age, maintenance, water quality, operating conditions, and equipment quality all affect its useful life. AgWest Land Brokers considers the age and condition of irrigation equipment when evaluating an irrigated property.
What maintenance do pivots require?
Regular pivot maintenance can include checking tires and gearboxes, inspecting electrical components, replacing worn sprinkler parts, checking alignment, lubricating components, and monitoring for leaks or mechanical problems. Proper winterization and routine inspections can help extend the life of the system. Buyers should consider having older or unfamiliar equipment professionally inspected.
How often should irrigation wells be tested?
Irrigation wells should be monitored regularly for changes in pumping capacity, water levels, and equipment performance. The appropriate testing schedule depends on the well, local requirements, and the operator’s needs. When purchasing irrigated farmland, buyers should review available well records and consider professional testing if the well’s condition or performance is uncertain.
What are water rights?
Water rights are legal rights governing the use of water from sources such as groundwater or surface water. The rules surrounding water rights vary by state and location. In Nebraska, groundwater use is regulated through state law and local Natural Resources Districts, making it important for farmland buyers to understand the specific water rights and restrictions associated with a property.
Can irrigation rights be transferred?
In some cases, irrigation rights, permits, or associated water-use rights can be transferred, but the requirements depend on the type of water right, location, and applicable regulations. Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts may have specific requirements regarding transfers of groundwater allocations or irrigated acres. Buyers and sellers should verify the status and transferability of water rights before completing a transaction.
What is an NRD?
NRD stands for Natural Resources District. Nebraska has 23 NRDs that are responsible for managing natural resources within their respective districts, including groundwater, surface water, soil, and other natural resources. Because regulations can differ between districts, knowing which NRD a property is located in is important when buying or selling irrigated farmland.
Why do NRDs regulate irrigation?
NRDs regulate groundwater use to help protect Nebraska’s groundwater resources and maintain a sustainable supply for current and future users. Regulations can address issues such as well permits, irrigated acres, groundwater allocations, pumping, and water management areas. Requirements vary by NRD, so property-specific research is important.
What are pumping restrictions?
Pumping restrictions are regulations that limit or manage the amount, timing, or manner in which groundwater can be pumped. Restrictions may be implemented to protect groundwater supplies, surface water interactions, or other natural resources. The specific restrictions that apply depend on the property’s location and NRD.
How much electricity does a pivot use?
Electricity use varies significantly depending on the pivot’s size, pumping requirements, pressure, terrain, water source, and operating time. The pivot itself may use relatively little electricity compared with the pump that supplies water to it. AgWest Land Brokers can help buyers review available irrigation equipment and operating information when evaluating the costs associated with an irrigated property.