IRRIGATION RESEARCH PROJECTS IN NORTH DAKOTA
POTATO AND ALFALFA RESERCH
30. PROJECT: Soil-Plant Nitrogen Relationships in irrigated Russet Burbank Potatoes in Southeastern North Dakota
RESEARCH STAFF: Walt Albus, Raymond Knighton
LOCATION: Oakes Irrigation Research Site MSEA Pivot
DATE: Grant #5218, 1999
CROP YEAR: 1997 Test Year
ANALYSIS: Nitrogen and water management
SUMMARY: The goal was to produce 50,000# of potatoes per acre. The standard nitrogen level proved to be a less
costly formula (224#/acrea) compared to the test (274#/acrea). The different soils in test area raised
different yields but the spread between standard and test were basically the same. The
test or higher level of nitrogen yielded fewer pounds per acre. Another test needs to be done at lower
nitrogen levels to find the least cost scenario.
62. PROJECT: Irrigation Scheduling Methods for Potatoes in the Northern Great Plains
RESEARCH STAFF: J.B. Shae, D.D. Steele, and B.L Gregor
SUMMARY: This is a 4 year study including 4 different methods. (40% D, CWSI, SDI, and Substor). The 40% D
method had the least amount of water applied and highest yields over the 4 year period.
64. PROJECT Nitrate Leaching Using Two Potato-Corn N-Fertilizer Plans on Sandy Soil
RESEARCH STAFF: Lyle Prunty, Richard Greenland
LOCATION: Oakes Irrigation Field Trials
SUMMARY: Printed in Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environmental when compared to control tests, large preplant
applications of N should be avoided. Sidedress multiple times at rates crop is using at that stage of
growth will limit leaching and assure better uptake of N into plants. Fertilizer should be
applied in total to only match other yield limiting minerals. Pesticides could be applied at lower rates
than what was applied in this research project.
75. PROJECT: Water Table Depth and Irrigation Effects on Applied Water Use Efficiencies of Three Crops
RESEARCH STAFF: L.C. Benz, G.A. Reichman, E.J. Doering, and R.F. Follett
LOCATION: Three-Year Experiment at Oakes, North Dakota
DATE: American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Volume 21(4), Pages 723-728, 1978
SUMMARY: Yields of the three crops grown on shallow water table were much higher than those for medium and
deep water tables with no irrigation. Shallow water table crops showed no response to irrigation.
Yields increased on medium and deep water table tests according to increased irrigation
levels. Applied water use efficiencies (AWUE) decreased as the irrigation amounts increased in
shallow water table.
77. PROJECT: Distribution and Growth of Sorghum Roots in Response to Irrigation Frequency
RESEARCH STAFF: S.D. Merrill, S.L. Rawlins
PUBLICATION: Agronomy Journal, Volume 71, Pages 738-745
SUMMARY: Frequent, light irrigations maintain a higher average soil water content than if the same amount of
water is applied infrequently. This higher soil water content will influence rooting distribution. In
other word, where the water is, so are the roots, except if there was a Q2 deficiency, critically low
hydraulic conductivity or increased soil strength.
80. PROJECT: Alfalfa Yields and Evapotranspiration Response to Static Water Tables and Irrigation
RESEARCH STAFF: L.C. Benz, E.J. Doering, G.A. Reichman
PUBLICATION: American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Volume 28(4), Pages 1178-1185,
CROP YEAR: 1985
SUMMARY: The experiment used Lysimeters to maintain water levels. That was accomplished by pumping water
in at levels 46, 101, 155, 210 cm. The crop used this water along with irrigation from the top. If
water got to the water table and it increased the level it was pumped out. At 46 cm there was
always adequate water. For proper ET levels. Yields at all levels were within 1 T/ha for any cutting.
High water tables have the least costs when irrigating.
89. PROJECT: Water Quality Implications of Irrigating Alfalfa with Saline Water
RESEARCH STAFF: Todd P. Trooien, Stephan Merrill, George A. Reichman
LOCATION: Northern Great Plains Research Lab
PUBLICATION: 1994 North Dakota Water Quality Symposium
SUMMARY: Excessive leaching has a negative impact on the soil environment, but some leaching of salts is
requited. Salt build-up due to constant fertilization and low irrigation rates can cause salt build-up.
Irrigation will leach these soils (8. T/ac) in short periods of time, July 1 to September 30. Over
irrigation did not decrease alfalfa yields.
98. PROJECT: Potato Irrigation Management
RESEARCH STAFF: Joyce Eckhoff, Jerry Bergman
LOCATION: Sidney, Montana
DATE: 1998
SUMMARY: Yields were taken on sprinkler and food irrigated areas. Flood Irrigated produced higher yields on all
varieties of potatoes. Even on %>6 oz. and %> 10 oz. Flood outperformed sprinkler irrigated
potatoes.
99. PROJECT: Nesson Valley Potato Project
RESEARCH STAFF: Jim Staricka, Randy Mehlhoff, Bill Sheldon, Jerry Bergman
LOCATION: Williston, North Dakota
DATE: 1998
SUMMARY: Two varieties of potatoes were grown under three different irrigation systems, Shepody and Russet
Burbanks. Records were kept on all operations performed and when to irrigate and spray was
determined by an agronomist. The Shepody Potatoes yielded 312/cwt at 5.02 with a $.75 kick
back on freight for a total income of $1,800.24 gross. Total costs including fixed and variable were
$1,567.79 for a net profit of $232.45. The Russet Burbanks only grossed 300 cwt at $4.30 or
$1,515.00/acres with expense of $1,703.83 for a loss of $188.83.
100. PROJECT: Yield and Quality of Irrigated Alfalfa
RESEARCH STAFF: Joyce Eckhoff, Charles Flynn
LOCATION: Sidney, Montana
DATE: 1998
SUMMARY: A Near Infrared Spectrometer (NIR) was recently purchased by the Eastern Apicultural Research
Center with funding from a Federal Grant. The NIR was calibrated to measure crude, protein, acid
detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and moisture of Alfalfa Hay. Using this instrument they
were able to detect Relative Feed Vales (RFV). Affinity +z and Excalibur and WL 325 H9 were the
only varieties that had protein and RFVs high enough for prime alfalfa after 2 years of production.
The 1st and 3rd cuttings were the only expected prime, 2nd cutting did not measure up.
101. PROJECT: Nesson Valley Potato Project
RESEARCH STAFF: Jim Staricka, Randy Mehlhoff, Bill Sheldon, Jerry Bergman
LOCATION: Williston, North Dakota
DATE: 1999
SUMMARY: Two varieties of potatoes were planted ( Shepody and Russet Burbank) under four irrigators. The
study included 420 acres. Most of the soils were sandy but one field had heavier soil. They sent
Shepody Potatoes to J. R. Simplot yielded 321 cwt and netted a $201.02 return per acre.
The Shepodys that went to Aviko only yielded 298 cwt but netted $272.16 return/acre. The Russet
Burbanks only yielded 228 cwt and lost $232.19 per acre.
102. PROJECT: Irrigation Management of Potato and Sugarbeet
RESEARCH STAFF: Jerry Bergman, Joyce Eckhoff
LOCATION: Sidney, Montana
DATE: 1999
SUMMARY: Sugarbeets were planted three years under sprinkler and furrow flood irrigation. The results were
analyzed for harvest stand, sucrose content, root yield, Na, K, Amino-N, loss to molasses and
extracted sucrose. Root and sucrose yield was greater in 1997 and 1999 under furrow flood.
Shepody yield and size of potatoes were greater in 1998 under flood irrigation but reversed in 1999.
Russet Burbank had little difference between flood and sprinkler irrigation.
103. PROJECT: Applied Research and Demonstration of Successful Irrigated Potato Production Under Pivot Irrigation in NW North Dakota
RESEARCH STAFF: Dean Steele, James Staricka, Dave Kirkpatrick
LOCATION: Nesson Valley, Williston, North Dakota
DATE: 1998 Results documented in March 2000
SUMMARY: There are soil moisture and weather measurements that need to be acquired to establish curves that
will help in water application at rates that will promote optimal growth with least amount of water
applied. There needs to be more research on the Wisdom model to see if it is adaptable to the
MONDAK region for potato production. This season showed shortages in water application at some
critical times.
104. PROJECT: Growing Irrigated Potatoes
RESEARCH STAFF: Thomas F. Scherer, Dave Franzen, James Lorenzen, Art Lamey, Dwight Aakre, Duane A. Preston
DATE: 1999
PUBLICATION: AE-1040 (Revised) Publication 1999 March NDSU Extension Service
SUMMARY: This publication is an overview of some of the components that are involved in raising potatoes. It
gives soils and sprinkler consideration, fertilizer amounts and timing, water application, marketing
options, and also a typical cost analysis of a quarter of potatoes, corn and drybeans.
105. PROJECT: 1975 Annual Report
RESEARCH STAFF: Lawrence Black (Farmer), Staff from North Central Experiment Station
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota
CROP YEAR: 1975
SUMMARY: 1975 had above average rain but there was a dry spell in late June and early July. Then hot weather
through July. Small grain received 9.15 inches of water while row crops received 15.0 inches.
Diseases were serious on small grains. Leaf diseases were partially controlled by fungicide
Sunflower were invaded by moths. Birds and rodents were also present.
932 L Produced 16.7% Sugar and 17.2 Tons/Acre, Sugar 2.68 Tons/Acre
Hybrid B Produced 17.3% Sugar and 14.3 Tons/Acre, Sugar 2.35 Tons/Acre
106. PROJECT: Forage Soils Fertility Trials
RESEARCH STAFF: W.C. Dahnke, Larry Swenson
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota Lawrence Black (Farmer)
DATE: 1975 Annual Report
SUMMARY: Six levels of N, P and S were applied to Brome Grass and then watered and cut. Yields increased up
to a 253 # N Level before falling off. P caused increases until 126# level and S increased yields up to
the 76# level.
107. PROJECT: Alfalfa Management
RESEARCH STAFF: Dwain W. Meyer
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota
DATE: 1975 Annual Report
SUMMARY: The alfalfa was planted in 2 varieties and then in combination with Brome. There were indications
that alfalfa varieties would not grow in the area. When planted a dry period with gusty winds caused
poor stands. There were results but the experiment was destroyed.
108. PROJECT: 1976 Annual Report
RESEARCH STAFF: Lawrence Black (Farmer), Ben K. Hoag, John Lukach, Gerald Wettlaufer, Staff from North Central Experiment Station
LOCATION: Minot, North Dakota
CROP YEAR: 1976
SUMMARY: 1976 Annual Report
Peredovik- 1769 #/acre, Sundak -2227 #/acre
RESEARCH STAFF: Dwain W. Meyer
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota- Lawrence Black (Farmer)
CROP YEAR: 1996
SUMMARY: Alfalfa cut 3 times will produce more total quality alfalfa than only cut twice. Alfalfa cut three times
has a greater chance of winter kill. Alfalfa and brome mix will have a higher total yield than a straight
crop of alfalfa. A grass mix has a better chance of limiting winter-kill in alfalfa.
110. PROJECT: 1977 Annual Report
RESEARCH STAFF: Ben K. Hoag, John R. Lukach, Quentin Carlson, North Central Experiment Station, Minot, North Dakota
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota Lawrence Black (Farmer)
SUMMARY: 1977 Annual Report
Hudson Oats yielded 14.2 tons
Pioneer 931 Sorghum 4.7 tons/acre
Sumax - yielded 26.4 tons and 88 tall
Pioneer - 931 yielded 24.1 tons and 107 tall
C) Potato Variety Tests.
500 cwt yield goal. Manzate 200 was applied 3 times but blight infections still accrued.
Norchip Yielded 340 cwt/acre, 23% Solids, 96% #1
Norland Yielded 267 cwt/acre, 18% Solids, 90% US #1
Norgold Russet Yielded 249 cwt/acre, 21% Solids, 90% US #1
Bison Yielded 245 cwt/acre, 19% Solids, 88% US #1
111. PROJECT: Alfalfa Management at Karlsruhe, North Dakota
RESEARCH STAFF: Dwain Meyer
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota. Lawrence Black (Farmer)
CROP YEAR: 1977
SUMMARY: This was a result of a three year test on growing alfalfa on a 2 cut or 3 cut per year and then when the
3rd cut was performed. A 2nd cut system didnt have quality or yield that a three cut system had. The
third cut after a killing frost showed less winter loss than a cutting just before the frost.
112. PROJECT: 1978
Annual Report
RESEARCH STAFF: Ben K. Hoag, John Lukach, North Central Experiment Station Personnel
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota Lawrence Black (Farmer)
Dekalb FS-4 yielded 23.5 ton/acre, 23.3 % DM, 103 Tall
Northrup King 145 yielded 19.9 ton/acre, 27.9% DM, 98 Tall
Sumax yielded 25.6 tons/acre, 22.9% DM, 85 Tall
Pioneer 931 yielded 26.8 tons/acre, 32% DM, 120 Tall
Belford Barley had 33% DM, 13.45 tons/acre
Harmon Oats had 26%DM, 12.4 tons/acre
Pioneer 931 Sorghum had 22.7% DM, 12.3 tons/acre
Sumax Sorghum had 21.0%DM, 11.4 tons/acre
C) Potato Variety Trials yield Goal of 400 cwt
Bison yielded 381 cwt, 96% US #1
Norland yielded 334 cwt, 93% US #1
Norchip yielded 328 cwt, 94% US#1
Norgold Russet yielded 322 cwt, 93% US #1
Vernal Alfalfa was planted on July 14, 1977. In 1978 is was cut at 10% flower, 2nd cut was at 50% bloom and 3rd cut was after 1st frost. That produced 6.70 ton/acre. A two cut operation produced 4.93 ton/acre.
E) Irrigated Alfalfa Variety Trial - 3 Cut Method
Thor 8.27 tons/acre, 520 7.92 tons/acre, Ladak 7.13 tons/acre
113. PROJECT: 1979 Annual Report
RESEARCH STAFF: Lawrence Black (Farmer), Ben K. Hoag, John R. Lukach, Quentin Carlson, North Central Experiment Station, Minot North Dakota
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota
DATE: 1979
SUMMARY: A hail storm came through on August 3rd and destroyed small grains under irrigation . Row crops
were fair but use results with caution. )
Potato Variety Trial 400 cwt yield goal
Bison yielded 285 cwt of #1, 87% #1/acre
Norland yielded 288 cwt of #1, 89% #1/acre
Russet Burbank yielded 218 cwt of #1, 60% #1/acre
Oat Kelsey 7.7 ton/acre, 21%DM
Hudson 7.4 ton/acre, 19% DM
Belford Barley 6.6 ton/acre, 21% DM
Sorghum Pioneer 931 8.9 ton/acre
NK 145 7.1 ton/acre
Oats Lang 507 #/acre
Millet Daven 2800 #/acre
Buckwheat Tempest Alfa 1067 #/acre
Due to hail no 2nd cutting was taken. Stands were 95% of last year down to 7% of 1978.
Ladak 65 had a 95% stand and 2.66 ton/acre at 1st cut
Vernal had a 65% stand and 2.16 ton/acre at 1st cut
Olympic had a 7% stand and 1.27 ton/acre at 1st cut.
In 1977 Vernal Alfalfa was planted. The 3 cut system with the last cut after 1st frost was 5.90 ton/acre.
RESEARCH STAFF: Ben K Hoag, John R. Lukach, Quentin Carlson, North Central Experiment Station, Minot, North Dakota
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota Lawrence Black (Farmer)
DATE: 1990
O) Double Crop
Hudson Oats yielded 10.0 ton/acre
Otana Oats yielded 9.0 ton/acre
Pioneer 931 Sorghum yielded 11.7 ton/acre
Trudan 7 Sorgo Sudan yielded 10.0 ton/acre
Oats Lang yielded 794 #/acre grain
Buckwheat Tempest yielded 1750 #/acre grain
Millet Dawn yielded 1195 #/acre
P) Irrigated Alfalfa Management Study
This study which started in 1977 still showed that alfalfa cut 3 times with last cutting after 1st frost yielded 4.31 ton/acre
Q) Potato
Variety Trial
Norgold Russet yielded 340 cwt #1s, Viking yielded 315 cwt #1s,
Lemhi Russet 464 cwt #1s, Crystal yielded 588 cwt #1s
115. PROJECT: 1981 Annual Report
RESEARCH STAFF: Ben K. Hoag, John R. Lukach, Quentin Carlson, North Central Experiment Station Staff Minot, North Dakota
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota Lawrence Black (Farmer)
SUMMARY: 1981 Annual Report
Manzate 200 was applied at one week intervals beginning on June 2 through July. There was defoliation early and not enough water was applied decreasing yields greatly. Crystal produced 234 cwt at 84.8% #1s. Bison produced 129 cwt of 1s with 76.3% #1s.
116. PROJECT: 1982 Annual Report
RESEARCH STAFF: Ben Hoag, Curtis Thompson, Michael Miller, North Central Experiment Station Minot, North Dakota
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota George & Irene Lauinger (Farmer)
SUMMARY: 1982 Annual Report
L) Potato Trials
Bison produced 217.3 cwt/acre, 88.4% #1s
Norland produced 303.6 cwt/acre, 88.9% #1s
Lemhi produced 312.1 cwt/acre, 85.4% #1s
Crystal produced 385.3 cwt/acre, 84.2% #1s
R) Alfalfa
Trials
The trial was established in 1982 for data collection in 1983. Twelve
Varieties were planted.
117. PROJECT: 1983 Annual Report
RESEARCH STAFF: Ben K. Hoag, Curtis Thompson, Michael Miller, North central experiment Station Staff Minot, North Dakota
LOCATION: Karlsruhe, North Dakota George & Irene Lauinger (Farmer)
SUMMARY: 1983 Annual Report
Variety
Vernal produced 4.98 ton/acre, Noresman produced 4.69 ton/acre,
DK-120 produced 4.76 ton/acre, Peak produced 4.58 ton/acre
Fertility 100#K produced the most tonnage but not much more when compared with P.
Management
A three cut system produced 5.22 t/acre compared to a four cut system at 5.90 t/acre.
Millet Manta produced 12.4 t/acre, Hybrid Sudan Trudan 8 produced 21.0 t/acre, Sudan X Sorghum-WS-20 produced 26.9 t/acre,
Sorghum Sumax produced 30.7 t/acre
Red Pontiac produced 399.1 cwt/acre, 95.4 % #1s
Norland produced 344.4 cwt/acre, 94.8% #1s
Lemhi produced 355.4 cwt/acre, 94.5 % #1s
Norgold Russet produced 308.8 cwt/acre, 89.7% #1s
Crystal White produced 397.1 cwt/acre, 92.3% #1s
G) Corn Row Spacing Population Trial
15 rows with a population of 30,000 on NK PX11 and Sokota 222 produced the best yield. 30 rows decreased yield by 10 to 13 bushels.
118. PROJECT: 1984 Annual Report
RESEARCH STAFF: Ben K. Hoag, Curtis Thompson, Michael Miller, North Central Experiment Station Staff Minot, North Dakota
LOCATION: Karlsruhe Research Site George & Irene Lauinger (Farmer)
SUMMARY: 1984 Annual Report
Variety Trial (cut 3 times)
DK-120 produced 6.11 t/acre, Peak produced 6.01 t/acre,
Magnum produced 5.77 t/acre, Vernal produced 5.74 t/acre
Fertility Trial
Applied P&K at P (50#, 100#) and K 100#, 250#)
The 100P and 250K produced 5.45 t/acre
The 50P and 100K produced 5.33 t/acre
Management Trial
The 3 cuttings before frost produced 5.80t/acre
Four cuttings produced 5.69 T/acre
No results on irrigated varieties due to tremendous foxtail pressure and thin stands.
Crystal White produced 400.5 cwt/acre, 95% #1s
Lemhi Russet produced 324.9 cwt/acre, 90% #1s
Norgold Russet produced 305.2 cwt/acre, 93% #1s
Norland Russet produced 300.4 cwt/acre, 96% #1s
Red Pontiac produced 404.0 cwt/acre, 97% #1s