Agricultural Practices Inventory for the Oakes Test Area Study Program

摘要

A program of collecting an annual agricultural practices inventory was initiated in 1986. Data is collected from about 14000 acres (5670 ha) each year, supporting the OakesTest Area Study Program and providing an information base for reseach and monitoring activities.Data is available through annual reports and by request. Irrigation Advisors performed all activities associated with the inventory.During 1986 to 1995, irrigated acres increased 102%, from 1812 to 3657 acres (734 to 1481 ha ), dryland acres decreased and Conservation Reserve Program acres increased 297%, from 218 to 865 acres (88 to 350 ha) . Total cropped acres decreased by 647 acres (262 ha). The increase in irrigated acres was due to service from Oakes Test Area irrigation facilities. Nitrogen fertilizer use increased 18% during 1986 to 1995. The inventory has demonstrated that Oakes Test Area producers generally follow best management practices by soil testing, delaying nitrogen application and using irrigation scheduling.