© 2021
background_fid.jpg
In touch with the world ... at home on the High Plains
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
KCSE-FM 91.7 in Lamar is back on the air!
The satellite receiver that failed on Monday has been replaced and KCSE is now operating normally. Out apologies for the service disruption and our thanks for your understanding.
If you have question about KCSE or any of HPPR's transmitter sites, contact cspringer@hppr.org, HPPR's chief engineer.

Texas Panhandle Farmers Participate in Water Conservation Project

jerod_foster_panhandle_water_conservation_project.jpg
Jerod Foster
/

Motivated by water district regulations and a falling water table, a handful of farmers in the Texas Panhandle are participating in a water conservation project.  Farmers like Harold Grall, are implementing technology and changing farming practices to reduce water use and remain profitable reported The Texas Tribune.  

The usual planting routine is to irrigate prior to planting.  Project participants are experimenting with dry planting.  They are also leaving old corn stalks in the field and increasing the distance between plants.   The new technology of soil sensors are being implemented.  Sensors allow farmers to obtain more precise information about moisture and sprinkler performance — and read it remotely with their smartphone.

The demonstration project began in 2010 with a goal to discover cost effective farming methods that can be applied immediately.   It focuses on corn, the most common crop in the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District.