Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.
Impact Report
| For plan | Conservation and Efficient Use of Water (Socorro County) |
| Date | October 27, 2009, 2:52 pm |
| For Objective | Medium-term Show medium-term objectives |
| Impact Report | Two demonstration/research projects were initiated for this year under the Rio Grande Basin Initiative. Under this funding, Agent was able to purchase new technology to aid in data collection, lab analysis fees and hired a student worker to collect data on the project. Project 1: In collaboration with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, the project was looking at the quality of water in the irrigation district. Concern by producers of high concentrations of “salts” in early irrigation water for Chile crops prompted the initial interest. No water quality data exists. Information from this data could influence the MRGCD’s management decisions at the Unit 7 dam and how river water is diverted. Producers could utilize data to make planting decisions. Project 2: Producer Chris Sichler has invested in a sub-irrigation drip system for his Chile crop. Calculations can be made to set the amount of water, but all information comes from the Lordsburg, NM area. Utilizing soil moisture sensors, efficiency of water and timing of watering can be determined. Sichler currently uses plant stress as a determination for watering, which is working very well. By applying a data logger to the field quantitative data can be collected to assist other producers if they implement drip irrigation. Sichler has already decreased water use by 40% and decreased labor cost on these fields. |