Western Kansas farmers Russ Martin and Jay Ostmeyer (left) talk with K-State irrigation engineer Jonathan Auguilar about the use of soil moisture sensors, during the recently completed TAPS competition. (K-State Research and Extension)

Farmers test innovative water-saving strategies in Kansas competition

  • By Kelsey Stremel │ K-State Research and Extension news service

Governor’s water conference set for November

Soil Health U day one held in Salina, Kansas

Kansas Geological Survey estimated reductions of 18% to 32% in pumping of underground water in the High Plains Aquifer in Kansas could extend life of the resource in some areas by a decade. KGS says savings require farmers to reduce water use for irrigating crops in western Kansas. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)

Kansas Geological Survey says 18% to 32% cut in groundwater pumping may stabilize aquifer

Bare farm ground. (Journal photo by Jennifer Theurer.)

Wheat and more … or less  

The High Plains Aquifer provides 30 percent of the water used in the nation’s irrigated agriculture. The aquifer runs under South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. (Photo courtesy of K-State Research and Extension.)

Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Receiving Nearly $25 Million to Support High Plains Aquifer

Pivot irrigation system over a field in Caddo County near Hydro Oklahoma

Seek water-use help on the Ogallala’s decline 

Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll: Farmers support Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund