Best Management Practices (BMPs) are methods or techniques that have been found to be the most effective and practical means in achieving an objective (such as preventing or minimizing pollution) while making the optimum use of a property’s resources.
BMPs for agricultural water users combine site-specific management, educational, and physical practices that are effective at conserving water, maximizing the health and sustainability of the property, and protecting other natural resources. Utilizing appropriate BMPs can help growers save money, reduce non-point source pollution and protect wildlife without reducing crop yields.
Irrigation Best Management Practices include (but are not limited to):
- Regularly managing crops, crop areas, and irrigation systems to avoid applying water to unplanted areas or applying irrigation when not needed.
- Using appropriate irrigation rates and scheduling.
- Designing or retrofitting the irrigation system for improved irrigation uniformity and efficiency to reduce runoff and leaching.
- Regularly maintaining the irrigation system so that it continues to operate efficiently.
A free agricultural irrigation system evaluation provided by Mission Resource Conservation District can help determine what irrigation BMPs are appropriate for the agricultural property.
Agricultural Irrigation BMP Resources
- Best Management Practices for Non-Point Source Pollution
- Rainbow Creek Nutrient Reduction Plan
- Natural Resources Conservation Service Irrigation Management
- Best Management Practices for Irrigation Management