Early Season Water Requirements for Peanuts

Here are a few notes from Dr. John Beasley on water requirements for peanuts:
- Peanuts have low water requirements the first 30-50 days of the season.
- The root system of a peanut can usually go deep enough to capture water deeper in the soil profile to sustain the plant during early season drought, unless a hardpan restricts the root system.
- With the increased cost of irrigation due to increased cost of energy/fuel, save irrigation when peanuts most need water. This is when plants begin to peg and fill out their pods.
- Research by Dr. Craig Kvien has shown no yield difference when peanut fields were watered during the 20-50 days after planting and those that received no water during the same time.
- Once a field enters the reproductive growth stage of peanut by flowering and pegging, the water demand begins to increase sharply. At that time it is best to use either Irrigator Pro or UGA EASY Pan to trigger irrigation.

- R.J.

Landscapers learn about irrigation audits

Landscapers spent the afternoon on March 18, 2008 learning about performing irrigation audits on irrigation systems. Previous studies have shown that 90% of irrigation systems surveyed could save an average of 20% in water savings. Participants learned the basics of irrigation audits from Dr. Kerry Harrison (UGA Ag and Biological Engineering), R.J. Byrne (UGA Thomas County Extension), and Jake Price (UGA Lowdnes County Extension). Data collected in the field can be analyzed with the use of software, and provide the user with a map to identify problems in irrigation systems. This information will help identify problem areas and allow the irrigation owner savings in both water use and also cost savings on a water bill. After the class and hands on demonstrations, participating landscapers agreed that on average they could reduce irrigation water use by +20% after conducting an audit on an irrigation system.

Landscaper Irrigation Auditing

Calling all landscapers, and irrigation managers...

Improving Efficiency of Landscape Irrigation Systems

Learn How To Perform Irrigation Audits and Add Value

Where : Thomas County EMS Building, 1202 Remington Ave
When : Tuesday, March 18th, 2008
Who To Contact : UGA Thomas County Extension Office,
R.J. Byrne, 229.225.4130

INTRODUCTION……………………………………..……………............1:30

FIVE MAJOR STEPS OF AN IRRIGATION AUDIT……………1:35 - 2:30
(Classroom Session)

CONDUCT IRRIGATION AUDIT……...……………………………...2:35 - 4:00
(Perform live demonstration with hands on training)

SOIL SAMPLING AND HERBICIDE UPDATE……………………4:00 - 4:30
(Pesticide Credits: 3 hours Cat.24 and private applicator have been applied for.)



Knowing how to conduct a landscape irrigation auditing is essential for anyone responsible for designing or managing irrigation systems on urban landscapes such as residential lawns, sports fields, parks, commercial properties, and golf courses. The audit procedure will also benefit municipalities and city water utility personnel, particularly those interested in developing urban water conservation programs. The presentation will introduce the participant to the basic step-by-step procedure to conduct a landscape irrigation audit. This training will provide you with the know-how to conduct audits and add this value-added service to your business.

A joint program of Lowndes and Thomas County Extension