Equipment and water supply changes produce increased efficiency and nut yields
Date
2012-04
Authors
Greydanus, Herbert W., author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Pioneer Ranch Partnership LLC operates an 80-acre almond ranch in the Turlock Irrigation District (TID) in Central California. Ground water from two wells has been applied with Rainbird sprinklers. The lower tree canopies are wetted with Rainbirds and canker disease frequently develops. Ground water requires buffering with acid to offset carbonates. Irrigation improvements were made in stages. First, Rainbird sprinklers were replaced with micro sprinklers at each tree. A filter was installed at each well. The second stage included a single central pump at the TID pipeline on the Ranch with pipelines to each well and hookup to the filters and micro sprinkler lines. The 75-HP well motors and pumps were kept operable for frost control and for backup supply in water short years. A single 75-HP pump for surface water is adequate to supply all low-pressure micro sprinklers. Irrigation labor has been reduced by 50 percent. The seasonal water applications with micro sprinklers during 2009 and 2010 were 135 acre-feet and 175 acre-feet, respectively. For an average of 155 acre-feet this was a reduction of about 33 percent. Electricity use was reduced from 61,000 KWH to an average of 16,180 KWH for 2010 and 2011. It is no longer necessary to buy "risk-handling" acid. The annual loss of 40 diseased trees will be avoided. Tree foliage looks significantly healthier. It is estimated that there will be a 10 percent increase in nut yield. The capital cost was about $86,000. Based on 6 percent interest, reduced operating costs and increase in yield, the capital cost can be recovered in less than three years.
Description
Presented at Irrigated agriculture responds to water use challenges - strategies for success: USCID water management conference held on April 3-6, 2012 in Austin, Texas.