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Drip Irrigation Implementation South of White Deer

Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District (PGCD) has awarded its first agricultural loan for drip irrigation. 

                 

Patrick Warminski with Drip Irrigation Filtration

Photo courtesy of Allison Purviance

Stephen Warminski and son Patrick have put drip irrigation into action as an alternative to row and center pivot irrigation methods.  This system is currently supplied by 1 irrigation well and services 86 acres.  The well pumps the water supply to the east where a filtration system is located.  Once the water has passed through the filtration system, it is then routed through a flow meter, passes through drip tapes and is buried 12 to 14 inches deep, running laterally east to west, 60 inches apart.  This configuration includes 4 zones for these 86 acres.  

Patrick Warminski informed PGCD Field Technician Allison Purviance that they intend to plant cotton for the 2012 growing season.  In addition, the Warminskis plan for further expansion of this drip irrigation project which will entail 11 zones and encompass 211 acres.

Drip irrigation saves water by eliminating surface water evaporation and is especially suited for arid, semi-arid, hot and windy areas with limited water supply.  Both water and fertilizer can be applied directly to the roots of the crop allowing for maximum uptake.  Drip irrigation systems typically cost $500 to $1,200 more per acre; however, they operate at 90% high water use efficiency as opposed to 45% for overhead sprinklers and use roughly a third less fuel.

PGCD is very excited to follow the Warminskis’ progress with their new system and will keep you updated on their successes.  For more information on drip irrigation or to apply for an agricultural loan, please contact our office at 806-883-2501.