Hosta

English: NRCS Oregon's District Conservationist, Lars Santana, visited a irrigation modernization project in Jefferson County. Supported through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), landowners work with Lars and NRCS field office staff to update their irrigation system to reduce water use, and in some cases recycle irrigation tailwater. The Agency Plains Conservation Implementation Strategy (CIS) is an effort to improve irrigation water efficiency and improve water quality run-off from an area that drains into the Deschutes River below the Pelton Dam Complex. The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District identified this priority area from local landowners and the Confederate Tribes of Warm Springs. Stakeholder meetings and subsequent local workgroup meetings rated irrigation conservation as a high priority in this area. Using Low Elevation Sprinkler/Spray Application (LESA) technology helps the conservation effort too. LESA systems on a center pivot use sprinkler nozzles that spray much closer to the ground. The spacing between sprinklers is reduced and water is emitted at very low pressures. This system saves water, saves energy (less water pumped and pumped at a lower pressure), and helps producers grow better yields, especially in areas where water is limiting. In many cases, energy savings alone can pay for the increased costs of the additional sprinklers and drop hose. However, the largest profit potential lies in the ability to increase yields in areas that are water short or have large water losses due to wind drift and evaporation. This is especially important as drought continues to impact the central Oregon landscape. This center pivot is technologically modernized and is controlled through a smartphone app. Landowners can manage irrigation water, move the pivot position, turn the sprinklers on and off, and have full control of the sprinkler through just a touch of a button on their phone.