Soybeans are irrigated on 40,000 to 60,000 acres in Central Wisconsin and on at least that many acres across Southern and Northwestern parts of the state (potentially 10% of the crop). In addition, nearly 75% of the irrigation well permits submitted to DNR during 2012 were for irrigated production in new regions of the state where irrigation is not widely used. Nearly all water used for irrigation in Wisconsin is derived from groundwater. Recent research has documented lowering of groundwater levels in Central Wisconsin and subsequent impacts on stream flow and lake levels. Part of the solution will likely rely on crop selection across the landscape defined as drought resistant systems....
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#irrigation, #soil moisture management, #soybean roots, #water management, #water quality & management