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Browse by Author: Donald Cassel
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Measuring Soil Water for Irrigation Scheduling: Monitoring Methods and Devices

By: Robert Evans, Donald Cassel, R.E. Sneed

This publication provides information you will need for measuring soil water: types of soil-water measuring devices, how to select the right measuring device and how to prepare and install these devices.

Soil, Water and Crop Characteristics Important to Irrigation Scheduling

By: Robert Evans, Donald Cassel, R.E. Sneed

This publication presents basic information on factors (veil, water and plant relationships) to be considered in developing an effective irrigation schedule.

Irrigation Management Strategies to Improve Water and Energy-Use Efficiencies

By: Robert Evans, Donald Cassel, R.E. Sneed

This publication discusses irrigation decisions that affect water and energy efficiencies.

Calibrating Soil-Water Measuring Devices

By: Robert Evans, Donald Cassel, Ronald E. Sneed

This publication provides a step-by-step description of how to use the gravimetric method to calibrate soil-water measuring equipment.

Irrigation Scheduling to Improve Water and Energy-Use Efficiency

By: Robert Evans, Donald Cassel, R.E. Sneed

This publication explains how you can make the most efficient use of water and energy by applying the right amount of water to cropland at the right time.

Delineating Agriculture in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin

By: Deanna Osmond, Donald Cassel, Kathy Neas

Under the Tar-Pam Rules, the Basin Oversight Committee (BOC) is tasked with submitting agricultural information on a yearly basis. Unfortunately, some of this information, such as fertilizer rates, is based on best professional judgment; there are no fertilizer-use statistics that are reliable. In addition, best management practices (BMPs) are only captured if they are cost shared. To obtain a better estimate of agricultural practices, this one-time statistically valid area sampling frame was applied to agricultural fields in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin in order to collect an agricultural baseline of cropping systems, soil types and currently used best management practices. In summary, when all the data are combined, it appears that producers in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin are minimizing environmental impact of nutrient and soil losses from agricultural fields. Best management practices are being used, including buffers, water control structures, cover crops, and conservation tillage. Nutrient inputs generally are below recommended levels. The only area where we believe producers could improve management is by following soil test reports and reducing phosphorus fertilization.