By MARY LOU PETER
K-State Research and Extension

COLBY – Through drought and wind, hail and rain, for 25 years Kansas State University researchers have studied subsurface drip irrigation technology for field crop production. To mark the anniversary, K-State’s Northwest Research-Extension Center at Colby will host a special anniversary SDI Technology Field Day on Aug. 6 at 105 Experiment Farm Road in Colby.

“This is where growers can come to have their questions answered,” said Freddie Lamm, research irrigation engineer with K-State Research and Extension. “We’ve built in plenty of opportunities for this to be an interactive day.”

The field day, from 2 to 8 p.m., features presentations by K-State Research and Extension specialists in engineering and agricultural economics, plus field tour stops, refreshments, poster presentations on SDI-related topics, a trade show and an evening meal. Producers who are using SDI technology will give their perspective in a panel discussion.

The event is free and open to the public but pre-registration by July 28 is required for meal planning purposes. Contact Vicki Brown at [email protected] or (785) 462-6281 (phone) or (785) 462-2315 (fax) and indicate the number of people being registered.

Tour topics include:
Comparison of SDI with Alternative Irrigation Methods;
Strategies to Improve Crop Germination When Using SDI;
Water and Nutrient Management with SDI;
SDI and Alfalfa; and
Research Facilities and SDI Wetting Pattern.
More information is available by contacting Brown at [email protected] or (785) 462-6281.