By Tricia Goes, Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District
This is the Crop Water Use Report for the week of July 18.
Over the past week, wheat used 2.31 inches.
Expected use by wheat for this week is 2.53 inches.
Over the past week, corn used 0.74 inches.
Expected use by corn for this week is 0.81 inches.
Over the past week, beets used 0.71 inches.
Expected use by beets for this week is 0.48 inches.
Over the past week, potatoes used 1.11 inches.
Expected use by potatoes for this week is 1.22 inches.
Over the past week, dry beans used 1.01 inches.
Expected use by dry beans for this week is 1.1 inches.
Over the past week, soybeans used 0.84 inches.
Expected use by soybeans for this week is 0.92 inches.
Over the past week, sunflowers used 0.21 inches.
Expected use by sunflowers for this week is 0.23 inches.
Over the past week, alfalfa used 2 inches.
Expected use by alfalfa for this week is 2.1 inches.
Over the past week, actively growing lawns used 1.60 inches.
Expected use by actively growing lawns for this week 1.70 inches.
Average ET gauge readings was 2.1 inches.
The weather forecast for the next week shows highs in the upper 80s and mid-90s, and lows in the 60s. It will be hot and dry throughout the week with no chance of rain.
In the last week, soil moisture monitoring station 1 showed 32% water available at 12”, 72% water available at 24”, and 74% water available at 36”. The producer did irrigate. Remember this is in a Sandy Loam soil type with Corn planted and will vary depending on site, weather, irrigation management, topography, crop, and soil type.
In the last week, soil moisture monitoring station 2 showed 39.4% water available at 8”, 36% water available at 18”, and 34.6% water available at 36”. The producer did NOT irrigate.
Remember this is in a Loam soil type with Wheat planted and will vary depending on site, weather, irrigation management, topography, crop, and soil type.
The crop water use report is completed using the average growth stage for each crop and ET gauge reading from across the district. To find the conversion for your specific crop growth stage, visit https://nawmn.unl.edu/GrowthStageData.
For more information or to inquire about ET gauges or soil moisture monitoring equipment, please contact Erin Lee at the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District at 308.432.6190 or visit our website at www.unwnrd.org. We are committed to helping Nebraskans conserve and protect groundwater.