Quantifying Water Use (Water Use Efficiency) in Irrigated Sugarbeet Production on Lihen Fine Sandy Loam Soils.

Water for irrigation is becoming limited, resulting in a critical need to improve water use efficiency.  This investigation assessed overhead sprinkler irrigation to develop and modify irrigation scheduling for producers to maintain production while becoming more efficient with their irrigation water use.  Sugarbeets are grown using four irrigation rates (100%, 67%, 33%, and 0 irrigation) to determine the effect on yield and quality.  The 100% treatment is the optimum amount determined by soil moisture monitoring throughout the growing season for sufficient plant available water. Sugarbeet yields (2010-2015) have been maintained in all six years, reducing water rates by a third and four of six years when reducing water by two-thirds. Year-to-year differences in water usage and crop production are directly related to the seasonal climatic conditions.