Flood Irrigation 101

Summary

In this informative video, Trevor Bales of Bales Farm and Ranch explains their flood irrigation system, a vital part of their farming operations. He covers everything from how water is sourced from a canal and managed by the district to the importance of efficient water usage and precise irrigation techniques. The video also touches on the historical significance of the irrigation system, which has been in place for over a century, and the challenges of maintaining water flow with old infrastructure. Trevor highlights the role of technology like laser leveling and shares insights on crop management, water conservation, and irrigation challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Water for irrigation comes from a canal that carries treated sewage water (effluent) from the city of Phoenix.
• 😀 Farmers in the district are allotted a specific number of acre-feet of water per year, based on their land ownership and crop needs.
• 😀 Gates control the water flow from the canal into the fields, and water is distributed through ditches called laterals.
• 😀 The irrigation system is designed to minimize water wastage, with precise management of when to open and close the ports on the borders.
• 😀 Flood irrigation is used, where water is intentionally spread over fields through controlled borders to ensure even distribution.
• 😀 Lasering (laser leveling) is used to ensure the fields are level, enabling uniform water flow across the irrigation borders.
• 😀 Timing is crucial in irrigation. If the water isn't managed well, it can result in waste (tailwater) and damage to fields or roads.
• 😀 Gophers and pests can disrupt irrigation by creating holes in the borders, which can lead to inefficient water distribution.
• 😀 The farm does not use center pivot irrigation due to the high costs involved in converting fields that have been leveled over generations.
• 😀 The farm uses soil pan treatment to prevent erosion during the initial irrigation cycles, helping soil stay intact and promoting healthy growth.
• 😀 Water from irrigation ultimately drains back into the river, contributing to the water table, reducing waste, and maintaining sustainability.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the irrigation system described in the video?

The main purpose of the irrigation system is to efficiently distribute water to farm fields to ensure proper crop growth, specifically through flood irrigation using canals and gates.

Why does Trevor mention the use of reclaimed water from the sewage system?

Trevor explains that the water used in their irrigation system is effluent water from the City of Phoenix's sewage treatment plant. While it is treated, it is not suitable for drinking, swimming, or consuming fish from the canal.

How does water reach the farm fields?

Water is brought through a canal system. The canal carries water, which is then directed to individual farm fields via gates, ditches, and pipes, allowing water to be delivered to specific areas of the fields.

What role does the 'gate' play in the irrigation system?

The gate regulates the flow of water into the field. By opening or closing the gate, water can be directed to specific areas of the field to maintain proper irrigation pressure and coverage.

What are 'borders' in the context of this irrigation system?

Borders are large, leveled sections of the field that are designed to hold and direct the water in specific areas. Water is let out through ports in the borders, ensuring it stays within defined areas and is distributed evenly.

Why is it important to manage water flow carefully during irrigation?

Carefully managing water flow is essential to prevent water wastage, avoid damage to fields or roads, and ensure efficient use of the limited water supply. Overuse or poor timing can result in costly mistakes.

What challenges does the farm face when using this irrigation method?

Challenges include gopher damage to the fields, which disrupts water flow, and the difficulty in managing water pressure across uneven field conditions. Additionally, estimating the correct amount of water needed can be tricky and costly if not done correctly.

Why doesn't the farm use center pivot irrigation systems?

Center pivot irrigation would be extremely expensive to implement due to the farm's existing infrastructure, including leveled fields and numerous ditches. The cost of converting to pivot irrigation is not feasible for the farm, with estimates suggesting $2,000 per acre not including additional field adjustments.

What is the significance of 'lasering' the fields in the irrigation process?

Lasering is crucial for leveling the fields to ensure an even distribution of water. Proper lasering ensures that water flows uniformly across the field, preventing dry spots and reducing the need for re-irrigation, which can waste both water and resources.

What happens to excess water that drains from the fields?

Excess water drains into a larger canal or ditch, which leads back to the river. This water is not wasted; it returns to the water table, where it can potentially be reused in future irrigation cycles.