Water, Irrigation, and Drainage
Water is a critical part of any agricultural operation. Irrigation can help producers ensure that their plants receive the water they need, regardless of weather conditions. However, inefficient irrigation can lead to unnecessary costs, poor crop development, and environmental harm.
At the same time, drainage of excess soil water is essential to sustainable agronomic production. Better drainage management can improve crop yields, reduce year-to-year yield variability, and provide trafficable conditions for field operations at critical times of planting or harvest.
This website provides resources that you can use to learn more about how to better manage agricultural water issues related to irrigation and drainage.
- Estimating Financial Costs and Benefits of Supplemental Irrigation with the Irrigation Financial Estimator Tool (IFET):
- Irrigation Scheduling in Humid Climates using the Checkbook Method:
- Using Groundwater for Agricultural Irrigation in Virginia [PDF]
- Understanding Soil Moisture Sensors: A Fact Sheet for Irrigation Professionals in Virginia [PDF]
- Filtration, Treatment, and Maintenance Considerations for Micro-Irrigation Systems [PDF]
- Factors when Considering an Agricultural Drainage System [PDF]
- Hydrology Basics and the Hydrologic Cycle [PDF]
- Soil and Soil Water Relationships [PDF]