What guidelines should be applied to selection of crops for limited or deficit irrigation?
A. Analyzing crop selection requires knowing the well yield and field size, the irrigation regime (i.e. preseason only), the cost of irrigation, yield response to water for different crops irrigated, water requirements per crop, labor requirements, climate and water policy per state (permits for water per acre). Before making any cropping decisions, check with the appropriate Farm Service Agency, CRC coverage, Revenue Assurance, etc. regarding any restrictions. When selecting crops, look at when the crop most needs water as well as how much water will be needed. Make a comparison between when the crop needs water and when it will be available from the irrigation district. If water is not expected to be available during a critical growth period, consider another crop. Try to make adjustments that will work in a dry year, but will not limit potential yields if the drought ends. Make sure there is an economic use for the crop being considered as well as the technical expertise and equipme
