| Professional Papers |
| Water-Related Strategic Concerns and Threats In Afghanistan |
PDF |
| Jan 2006 – An initial assessment of key challenges in developing Afghanistan’s water infrastructure. |
| Modeling Flows in Irrigation Distribution Networks – Model Description and Prototype |
PDF |
| July 2003 – Dr. Guy Fipps, Yanbo Huang; Written for presentation at the 2003 ASAE Annual International Meeting, Las Vegas, NV. |
| Potential Evapotranspiration For Irrigation Water Management In Urban Landscapes – The San Antonio Experience |
PDF |
| Nov 2000 – C.N. Pope and G. Fipps. “Potential Evapotranspiration For Irrigation Water Management In Urban Landscapes – The San Antonio Experience” National Irrigation Symposium, Proceedings of the 4th Decennial Symposium, November 2000, Phoenix, ASAE. |
| Simulation-Based Irrigation Scheduling As a Water Management Tool In Developing Countries |
PDF |
| Jun 2001 – Guy Fipps and Dinku M. Endale. “Simulation-Based Irrigation Scheduling As a Water Management Tool In Developing Countries” Irrigation and Drainage. U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, June 2001. |
| Getting The Most From Center Pivots |
PDF |
| Dec 1998 – Guy Fipps. “Getting The Most From Center Pivots” Proceedings, 1998 California/Nevada Alfalfa Symposium, 3-4 December 1998, Reno, NV, UC Cooperative Extension, University of California, Davis. |
| The Aral Sea Disaster |
PDF |
| Dec 1998 – Guy Fipps. “The Aral Sea Disaster.” |
| Microirrigation of Melons Under Plastic Mulch In the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas |
PDF |
| Apr 1995 – Guy Fipps and Enrique Perez. “Microirrigation of Melons Under Plastic Mulch In the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas” Microirrigation for a Changing World: Conserving Resources / Preserving the Environment. Proceedings of the Fifth International Microirrigation Congress, 2-6 April 1995. |
| Extension Publications |
| AGEN-PU-210 – Center Pivot Irrigation: Dual Units Version |
PDF |
| Dec 2021 – This publication is equivalent to AGEN-PU-208, but uses metric units in addition to imperial units. The center pivot is the system of choice for agricultural irrigation because of its low labor and maintenance requirements, convenience, flexibility, performance and easy operation. This publication includes complete details on choosing a center pivot design, comparing costs, efficiencies of various water applicators, pivot management, and chemigation with center pivot systems. There is also a section on converting existing systems to low-pressure application. (23 pp., 5 illustrations, 10 tables, 11 color photos, 2 charts). |
| AGEN-PU-208 – Center Pivot Irrigation |
PDF |
| Oct 2021 – The center pivot is the system of choice for agricultural irrigation because of its low labor and maintenance requirements, convenience, flexibility, performance and easy operation. This publication includes complete details on choosing a center pivot design, comparing costs, efficiencies of various water applicators, pivot management, and chemigation with center pivot systems. There is also a section on converting existing systems to low-pressure application. (23 pp., 5 illustrations, 10 tables, 11 color photos, 2 charts). This publication was previously labeled B-6096. |
| EB-1667 – Irrigation Water Quality Standards and Salinity Management Strategies |
PDF |
| Mar 2021 – Salinity problems, prevalent in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and their effects on crop growth and yield are detailed. Methods of alleviating these problems through seed placement, leaching and other irrigation management techniques are presented. (11 pp., 5 illustrations, 15 tables) |
| EB-6011 – Calculating Horsepower Requirements and Sizing Irrigation Supply Pipelines |
PDF |
| Mar 2021 – Pumping costs are often one of the largest single expenses in irrigated agriculture. This publication explains how to lower pumping costs by calculating horsepower requirements and sizing supply pipelines correctly. Examples take the reader through a step-by-step process. A special section deals with selecting PVC pipe. (9 pp., 2 illustrations, 11 tables) |
| AGEN-PU-103 – Surge Flow Irrigation |
PDF |
| Sep 2013 – Surge flow is not magic, and it is difficult to predict whether it will work for a particular situation. However, where it does work, there are significant benefits. This paper provides a brief overview of surge flow irrigation, and highlights important considerations if you are planning on experimenting with surge flow. |
| B-6218 – Measuring Seepage Losses from Canals Using the Ponding Test Method |
PDF |
| Jan 2009 – Seepage losses from canals can be significant. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service has measured seepage loss rates ranging from 23 to 1,690 acre-feet per mile (per year) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas (see Table 1). Measuring seepage loss rates is one of the best ways to prioritize canals for maintenance and rehabilitation and determine the effectiveness of canal improvements quantified through pre- and post-rehabilitation testing. |
| AGEN-PU-209 – Center Pivot Workbook |
PDF |
| Apr 2005 – This workbook is designed to familiarize the user with numerous aspects of center pivot use and maintenance. It includes reading and exercises on topics such as interpreting design printouts, water applicators, and pivot management. (29 pp., 3 illustrations, 5 tables, 10 color photos, 2 charts) |
| AGEN-PU-216 – Center Pivot Workbook – Metric Units Version |
PDF |
| Apr 2005 – This workbook is designed to familiarize the user with numerous aspects of center pivot use and maintenance. It includes reading and exercises on topics such as interpreting design printouts, water applicators, and pivot management in Metric Units. (29 pp., 3 illustrations, 5 tables, 10 color photos, 2 charts) |
| B-6150 – Irrigation of Forage Crops |
PDF |
| May 2004 – Irrigation can increase the production of forages where rainfall is limited. In planning an irrigation system it is important for farmers to know how to determine the water requirements of the crops they are growing. Geographic location, soil type, time of the season, and the way a crop responds to water all affect the amount of water a particular crop needs. Farmers should also know the characteristics of different irrigation systems. |
| E-245 – Maintaining Subsurface Drip Irrigation Systems |
PDF |
| Jul 2004 – A subsurface drip irrigation system should last more than 20 years if properly maintained. Important maintenance procedures include cleaning the filters, flushing the lines, adding chlorine, and injecting acids. Details of these procedures are presented in a practical format. (6 pp., 3 tables, 1 illustration) |
| E-245S – Dándole mantenimiento a los sistemas subsuperficiales de riego por goteo |
PDF |
| Jul 2004 – Un sistema de riego por goteo subterráneo debe durar más de 20 años si se mantienen adecuadamente. Algunos de los procedimientos de mantenimiento mas importantes incluyen la limpieza de los filtros, el lavado de las líneas, aplicaciones con cloro, y la inyección de ácidos. Los detalles de estos procedimientos se presentan en un forma practica. (6 pp., 3 tablas, 1 ilustracion) |
| L-5434 – Irrigating Sorghum in South and South-Central Texas |
PDF |
| Feb 2003 – “Water is all we sell in agriculture.” Whether the enterprise is corn, cattle, cauliflower, cotton, or grain sorghum, water is essential for its production and the single most important aspect of production that determines yield. |
| B-1612 – Managing Texas Groundwater Resources through Groundwater Conservation Districts |
PDF |
| Feb 2002 – A major issue today is the conservation of the state’s groundwater resources and whether or not they should be regulated. This publication explains what groundwater conservation districts are, how they are created and how they operate. (20 pp., 5 illustrations) |
| L-5240 – Groundwater Conservation Districts |
PDF |
| Feb 1999 – This brochure defines the role of groundwater conservation districts and priority groundwater management areas. The powers and responsibilities of groundwater conservation districts are listed in bulleted format. A Texas map shows the extent of coverage of the 45 existing conservation and special districts. (8 pp., 1 map) |
| B-1663 – Planning and Operating Orchard Drip Irrigation Systems |
PDF |
| Drip irrigation allows precise application of water to plant roots. This publication describes the layouts and components of various drip irrigation systems and discusses methods of determining system capacity, managing salinity and preventing clogging. (12 pp., 8 tables, 4 illustrations, 2 graphs) |
| L-2218 – Pumping Plant Efficiency and Irrigation Costs |
PDF |
| Inefficient pumps and power units are major contributors to excessively high irrigation costs. To minimize fuel consumption and pumping cost, pumping equipment must be carefully selected, properly maintained and replaced when necessary to maintain high efficiency. Efficient pumping plants with their lower pumping cost combined with efficient application of carefully timed irrigation can make the difference between profit and loss in irrigated crop production. |
| L-2422 – Chemigation Equipment and Safety |
PDF |
| Chemigation is the process of injecting an approved chemical into irrigation water and applying it through the irrigation system to a crop or field. Advantages and disadvantages of chemigation are discussed. Also discussed are legal requirements, management practices, chemigation pumps, and calibration of injection equipment. An illustration shows some of the approved safety connections for chemical injection equipment. Equations are provided to determine the amount of irrigation water needed and how to calibrate the injector. (6 pp., 1 illustration) |
| L-5039 – Irrigation Return Flow |
PDF |
| Irrigation return flow is that portion of water which returns to its source after being used for crop irrigation. Return flow usually carries chemicals and/or sediment which can cause water pollution. This publication discusses how to prevent return flow, how to design an irrigation system properly, how to recover tailwater and how to best manage irrigation water. (4 pp., 3 tables, illustration) |
| B-1691 – LEPA Conversion and Management |
PDF |
| Center pivot irrigation is used widely in Texas, largely because of the low labor requirements, improved water distribution, and relatively low capital costs on a per irrigated acre basis. There are approximately 9,500 pivots in operation, irrigating 1.75 million acres. Center pivot technology has developed greatly since it was patented in 1952. Escalating energy costs in the 70s and 80s contributed to the development of more efficient pivot technology. In certain areas of Texas, concern for the decline in underground aquifers and the long-term availability of water for irrigation has continued to foster the development and adoption of water conserving nozzles and pivot systems. |
| B-1670 – Soil Moisture Management |
PDF |
| This bulletin discusses the principles of soil moisture storage and management needed to use water more efficiently in irrigated agriculture and to reduce the pollution potential. A glossary of terms used in soil moisture management is provided. (8 pp., 2 illustrations, 3 graphs, 5 tables) |
| Project Reports |
| Advancing Water and Sanitation in Afghanistan |
PDF |
| Aug 2006 |
| Demonstration of the Rapid Assessment Tool (RAT): Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1 |
PDF |
| Feb 2003 – This report covers the canal condition evaluation component of RAT (Rapid Assessment Tool) as applied to Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1 (HCID1). This RAT component evaluates the overall condition of canals and specific conditions which indicate seepage and structural problems. |
| Demonstration of the Rapid Assessment Tool: Analysis of Water Supply Conditions in the Harlingen Irrigation District |
PDF |
| Jan 2003 – RAT (Rapid Assessment Tool), currently under development, is a combination of surveys, data collection, mapping and limited direct measurement designed to provide a quick and cost-effective analysis of the conditions of the water distribution network of irrigation districts. |
| Farm Turnout Flow Recommendations for New Outlets in Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 |
PDF |
| Dec 2002 – Report prepared for the Bureau of Reclamation Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 |
| Seepage Loss Test Results In Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 |
PDF |
| Dec 2002 – Report prepared for Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 |
| Thermal Imaging of Canals for Remote Detection of Leaks: Evaluation in the United Irrigation District |
PDF |
| Dec 2002 – This report summarizes our initial analysis of the potential of thermal imaging for detecting leaking canals and pipelines. Thermal imagery (video format) was obtained during a fly over of a portion of the main canal of United Irrigation District. The video was processed to produce individual images, and 45 potential sites were identified as having possible canal leakage problems (see Appendix I for all 45 thermal images). |
| Irrigation District Database Analysis for Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 |
PDF |
| Nov 2002 – Report prepared for Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 |
| Flow Measurement for Rehabilitation Planning |
PDF |
| Nov 2002 – Report prepared for Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 |
| Seepage Loss Test Results In Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2 |
PDF |
| Nov 2002 – Report prepared for Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2 |
| Characterization of Conveyance Losses In Irrigation Distribution Networks In the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas |
PDF |
| Jan 2000 – This report summarizes our current understanding of the distribution networks of irrigation districts located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas, and the potential water savings from district renovations and changes in on-farm irrigation. |
| Irrigation District Efficiencies and Potential Water Savings in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas |
PDF |
| Jan 1999 – Agriculture holds about 90 percent of all the water rights in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Rapidly growing municipalities and industries are focusing the need to free up water for transfer from agriculture. This paper will give the results of an analysis of the 28 irrigation districts including their current efficiencies and opportunities for water savings. The analysis is based on reported efficiencies of each district, GIS-based maps and databases of district infrastructure, measurement of canal seepage losses, accounting systems, etc. Preliminary analysis indicate a potential water savings of 54,000 to 223,000 ac-ft/yr could result from improvements in the conveyance efficiency of 28 districts through renovations such as canal lining and pipeline replacement. Implementing a combination of on-farm practices of metering, gated pipe water delivery, and improved water management and/or technology could result in a water savings of between 98,000 and 217,000 ac-ft/yr. |
| Potential Water Savings from Improvements in Irrigation District Through and On-farm Irrigation in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas |
PDF |
| Dec 1998 – This report summarizes progress in determining the potential water savings in irrigation districts of the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. |
| Texas Irrigation Pumping Plant Efficiency Testing Program |
PDF |
| Apr 1995 – This report details an irrigation pumping plant testing program conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service (TAEX) from May 1992 through December 1994. The project was funded through a grant from the State Energy Conservation Office (formerly the Governor’s Energy Office) for $119,500 and cost sharing by TAEX in excess of $100,000. |
| Press Releases |
| AgriLife Extension irrigation engineer receives national award |
PDF |
| Aug 2012 – Dr. Guy Fipps, Texas AgriLife Extension Service engineer, has received an award for his work advancing surface irrigation and saving water in Texas and abroad. |
| Only a few “smart” irrigation controllers were able to deal with drought |
PDF |
| Jul 2012 – Only a few “smart” irrigation controllers performed well during the 2011 drought, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service experts. |
| What’s the best irrigation canal liner? |
PDF |
| May 2012 – There are an estimated 1.2 million acres of agricultural land in Texas irrigated via canals, and many are in need of renovation, according to a Texas AgriLife Extension Service expert. |
| Online calculator helps homeowners preserve lawns while saving water |
PDF |
| Aug 2011 – Drought or no drought, homeowners typically over-water their lawns, according to a Texas AgriLife Extension Service irrigation engineer. |
| Tri-County Crop tour draws interest in irrigation practices, weed control, small grains |
PDF |
| Jul 2011 – The finer points of crop irrigation drew great interest from farmers in Brazos, Burleson and Robertson counties recently at the Tri-County Crops tour, according to organizers. |
| AgriLife irrigation course gets EPA WaterSense accreditation |
PDF |
| Feb 2011 – The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Irrigation Technology Center-School of Irrigation has been conducting the Landscape Irrigation Auditing and Management Short Course since 1994. |
| Uvalde to host Feb. 2nd South Texas Irrigation Symposium |
PDF |
| Jan 2011 – The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Irrigation Technology Center will present the South Texas Irrigation Symposium 2011 and “Last Chance CEU Blowout” on Feb. 2 at Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde. |
| TexasET Network will benefit Winter Garden area producers |
PDF |
| Apr 2010 – Producers in Texas’ Winter Garden area can benefit from data provided through the TexasET (Evapotranspiration) Network and website, according to experts from Texas AgriLife and a regional agribusiness consultant. |
| Irrigation engineers test subsurface drip systems at College Station |
PDF |
| Nov 2009 – Dr. Guy Fipps and Charles Swanson, AgriLife Extension associate-urban irrigation, have been testing several subsurface drip systems near the Medical School on the Texas A&M University campus since July 2008. |
| Engineers: Smart irrigation controllers not so smart |
PDF |
| Sep 2009 – Tests of “smart” irrigation controllers found most of the devices currently on the market were not as smart as hoped, said Texas AgriLife Extension Service irrigation experts. |
| Engineer: Aggie Irrigation Catch Can best in the world |
PDF |
| Sep 2009 – Texas AgriLife Extension Service engineers claim they have the best-designed irrigation catch can in the world: The Aggie Catch Can. |
| Irrigation training program set for Rio Grande Valley |
PDF |
| Oct 2008 – The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) is co-sponsoring the 7th Rio Grande Valley Irrigation Conference and Trade Show set for Wednesday, Oct. 29 in Mercedes. |
| Texas A&M University-San Antonio |
PDF |
| May 2008 – Texas A&M University-San Antonio is one of the newest universities in The Texas A&M University System, achieving independent status in May 2009. |
| Personal |
| Journey Back to Yalogo |
PDF |
| Sep 2008 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 1 |
PDF |
| Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec 2005 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 2 |
PDF |
| Kabul, Afghanistan, Christmas Holiday Dec 2005 – Jan 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 3 |
PDF |
| Kabul, Afghanistan, Jan 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 5 |
PDF |
| Kabul, Afghanistan, Jan 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 7 |
PDF |
| Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 8 |
PDF |
| Paris, France, Feb 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 10 |
PDF |
| Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Mar 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 11 |
PDF |
| Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, Mar 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 12 |
PDF |
| Parwan Province, Afghanistan, Mar – Apr 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 13 |
PDF |
| Kulanger, Logar Province, Afghanistan, Apr 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 14 |
PDF |
| Kunduz, Kunduz Province, Afghanistan, Apr – May 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 15 |
PDF |
| Takhar Province, Afghanistan, May 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 16 |
PDF |
| Herat Provice & Parwan Provice, Afghanistan, May – July 2006 |
| Kabul Journal – Chapter 17 |
PDF |
| Dushanbe, Afghanistan & Tajikistan, Apr – Jul 2006 |