Derek Heeren recently received a grant to investigate the impact of variable rate irrigation (VRI) on water resources in Nebraska.
“VRI is reported to reduce pumping for irrigation, but it is often assumed that the reduction in groundwater withdrawals will have a positive impact on groundwater levels and streamflow," Heeren said. "This research hypothesizes that, while VRI can be used to reduce pumping or increase yield, it does not significantly reduce consumptive use.”
The United States Geological Survey 104(b) grant comes through the Nebraska Water Center and will fund research that builds on an existing program in VRI.
Others involved in the project include Daran Rudnick, Francisco Munoz-Arriola, J. Burdette Barker, Christopher Neale and Wayne Woldt.