Comparative Study of Sprinkler Irrigation vs. Furrow Irrigation for Sugar Beet Production in Imperial Valley, California

This research project in the Imperial Valley, California, compares the effectiveness of sprinkler irrigation and furrow irrigation on sugar beet emergence and yield during the production season. Through field surveys and data analysis, the study aims to determine the impact of irrigation methods on stand establishment and overall crop yield in challenging environmental conditions of high temperature and soil salt content. Preliminary findings indicate differences in emergence rates between sprinkler and furrow irrigation, with ongoing research planned for multiple seasons to inform agricultural practices in the region.

• Sprinkler Irrigation
• Furrow Irrigation
• Sugar Beet Production
• California Agriculture
• Field Survey

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1. Sprinkler irrigation versus furrow irrigation for emergence and yield in the Imperial Valley of California M a r k B l o o m q u i st J o a q u i n S a nt i a g o D i m i t r i B o rat y n s k i J o h n L a m b

2. Imperial Valley Production Season Sugar beets are planted in September and October. The crop is harvested between April to July. All the irrigation water comes from the Colorado River system. Production system utilizes furrow irrigation with beets grown on 30 beds.

3. Background September is often a harsh environment for sugar beet emergence in the Imperial Valley. Ave. High Temperature 101 High salt content of the soil. Harsh environment has the potential to decrease sugar beet emergence. o F.* *https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/imperial/california/united- states/usca0508

4. Project Objectives Determine the effect of sprinkler irrigation versus furrow irrigation on stand establishment in the early planting season. Determine the effect of sprinkler irrigation versus furrow irrigation during the germination season for overall yield.

5. Project 1 Field Survey (2020-2023) Initiated in September 2020. Spreckels Agricultural Staff collected stand counts from approximately 80 production fields. Stand counts combined with agronomic data from fields. Weekly field yield data compared between irrigation types.

6. Project 1 Field Survey Total fields with stand counts taken. Fields eliminated from database if planted and 1st water is October 1 or later. Season Sprinkler Fields 36 Furrow Fields 44 2020-21 2021-22 34 45 2022-23 45 35

7. Field Emergence Data 20-21 Field Count 20-21 Emergence Percent Sprinkler 31 57.0a Furrow 25 50.7b Significance determined utilizing a t-test at P<0.05

8. Field Emergence Data 20-21 Field Count 20-21 Emergence Percent 21-22 Field Count 21-22 Emergence Percent 22-23 Field Count 22-23 Emergence Percent Sprinkler 31 57.0a 31 67.5a 38 68.1a Furrow 25 50.7b 28 59.5b 21 53.0b Significance determined utilizing a t-test at P<0.05

9. Yield collection from field project Harvest begins April 1 Weekly yields calculated on all fields harvested. Agricultural staff measures field acreage each week for calculation.

12. Project 2 Irrigation Research Trial Compare sprinkler irrigation and furrow irrigation for emergence and yield. Establish replicated strips of furrow versus sprinkler irrigation for germination. Trial conducted at Imperial Valley Research Center in Brawley.

13. Project 2 Materials and Methods RCBD in split plot arrangement. Whole plot irrigation type Sub plot variety (SV 983 & Beta 5678) 3 replications. 12 row wide strips of each irrigation treatment. 400 strip length. 30 plots established in each strip.

14. Project 2 Materials and Methods Whole row stand counts taken approximately 14 days after planting. After the emergence period, the entire trial converted to furrow. All other agronomic practices will be consistent across the trial area.

15. Project 2 Materials and Methods Data collection at harvest. Yield and quality data was obtained from each strip. Harvest conducted with research harvester to obtain tonnage yield. Quality samples taken at harvest and processed at Spreckels Sugar tare lab. Trial analyzed with Proc Mixed procedure in SAS 9.4. Treatment differences significant at = 0.1

16. 12 row 12 row 12 row Furrow Strip 12 row Sprinkler Strip 12 row Sprinkler Strip 12 row Furrow Strip Sprinkler Strip Furrow Strip 12 rows buffer - bedded but Not Planted 12 rows buffer - bedded but Not Planted 12 rows buffer - bedded but Not Planted 12 rows buffer - bedded but Not Planted 12 rows buffer - bedded but Not Planted 2 rows Beta 5678 2 rows Beta 5678 2 rows Beta 5678 2 rows Beta 5678 2 rows Beta 5678 2 rows Beta 5678 2 rows SV983 2 rows SV983 2 rows SV983 2 rows SV983 2 rows SV983 2 rows SV983 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler 4 rows filler Irrigation canal and basins 10' 30' 30' 30' 30' 30' 30' 30' 30' 30' 30' 30' 10'

17. Trial Information Planting date Sept. 15, 2021. 1st water Sept. 16, 2021 Sprinkler treatment 1st water - (9/16) 2nd water - (9/20) 3rd water - (9/23) Furrow treatment 1st water - (9/16) 2nd water - (9/23) Emergence counts (9/29) Planting date Sept. 15, 2022. 1st water Sept. 16, 2022 Sprinkler treatment 1st water - (9/16) 2nd water - (9/19) 3rd water - (9/21) Furrow treatment 1st water - (9/16) 2nd water - (9/22) Emergence counts (9/27)

18. Emergence Statistics Emergence 9/29/21 0.001 <0.0001 <0.0001 Emergence 9/27/22 0.247 <0.0001 0.018 Term Irrigation Type Variety I x V

21. Why the differences between seasons? https://www.wunderground.com/history

22. Yield Statistics 2021-2022 Trial Term Extractable Sugar/Acre 0.09 0.01 0.17 Irrigation Type Variety I x V

23. Yield Data Irrigation Type Sprinkler Furrow ESA (lbs.) 10,102a 9,790b Variety SV 983 Beta 5678 ESA (lbs.) 10,190a 9,702b Mean Pr>F Reps 9,946 0.09 3 Mean Pr>F Reps 9,946 0.01 3

24. Project Status This spring we will obtain the third year of yield data on the field project. In April we will harvest the second season of the irrigation trial. Upcoming steps Economics of sprinkler installation Water savings

25. Acknowledgments: Co-authors CBGA Research Committee Spreckels Sugar Ag. Staff Jeremy Scheffler Serenity Dockstader McCallum Leslie Gutierrez Sergio Bastidas Mark Bloomquist mark.bloomquist@smbsc.com 320-905-1185