Early civilizations used flood irrigation, also known as furrow irrigation, to grow crops. Despite the many advantages of mechanized irrigation, this method is still used around the world.

The goal of drip irrigation is to use minimal resources through extremely efficient water application. However, drip systems have a number of disadvantages that should be considered before deciding if they are right for a specific field.

Popcorn is a signature American specialty crop, with Nebraska leading production due to its strong irrigation infrastructure. Its unique characteristics require precise moisture management, making center pivot irrigation essential for maintaining yield and quality. Advances in irrigation technology have strengthened the Midwest’s role in popcorn production, supporting growers and rural communities while delivering a high-value crop.

Tomatoes, whether destined for the vibrant fresh market or the bustling processing plant, stand out as a cornerstone of global agriculture. Their successful cultivation hinges on a delicate balance of factors, none more critical than water. Achieving uniform fruit development, mitigating the devastating impact of fruit splitting, and optimizing the balance of sugars and solids all rely on precise and consistent water delivery. In the pursuit of maximizing yield, quality and profitability, large scale tomato growers are increasingly turning to advanced irrigation solutions. Among these, center-pivot irrigation serves as a supremely dependable method, especially when integrated with cutting-edge real-time data. Reinke, with its robust center-pivot systems and revolutionary Reinke Direct ET™ by CropX technology, offers a pathway to unparalleled irrigation efficiency and superior tomato quality, ensuring each harvest meets its full potential.

Watermelon cultivation thrives on a delicate balance, particularly concerning water. Consistent, timely irrigation throughout the growth cycle, especially during the critical stages of flowering and fruit set, is paramount for a successful harvest. Center pivot systems, known for their ability to deliver uniform moisture, provide the ideal environment for watermelons to develop deep root systems, enhance sweetness and achieve optimal fruit size. Reinke’s advanced irrigation solutions, including ReinCloud® 3, RC3™ and the Reinke Precision Management (RPM) control panel lineup, empower growers to manage pivots with unparalleled precision, ensuring maximum yield and quality while streamlining operations (Irritec, n.d.).

Chili peppers are considered a fruit in botanical terms since they emerge from the pistil of a flower and contain seeds. Despite their scientific classification, the culinary world treats them as a vegetable (or spice), due to their savory use in cooking. Download Handout

Corn is an important crop for the United States economy.

Soybean growers meet a high demand for a product that has a variety of uses.

Center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems deliver precise, efficient watering that boosts forage quality, supports herd health, and improves dairy productivity—making them essential for sustainable, high-performing operations.

While potatoes are grown throughout the United States, the majority of the country's production of this crop comes from Idaho and Washington.

Smart irrigation technologies deliver precise, timely watering that supports dense, durable sod, minimizes resource waste, and promotes consistent root development for optimal turf quality.

Every cotton producer wants to attain maximum yield potential. Irrigation is an important tool in reaching that goal. Needed irrigation varies based on rainfall, soil type and other variables.

In one recent season, Andrés Villagra harvested 91 tons of chicory per hectare (37 tons per acre)—an amount he had never before obtained—from his field in central Chile’s Bío Bío region.

Peanuts are a challenging but profitable crop.

Onion crops are highly sensitive to underwatering or overwatering. This article discusses dry bulb onions grown in Oregon and Washington.

Agricultural producers across the United States are taking advantage of the opportunity to grow industrial hemp. They hope to gain a foothold in a new industry that shows strong potential for the future.

Reinke’s irrigation systems ensure consistent, high-quality forage production for livestock by delivering precise water application across diverse field types. This boosts crop resilience, nutritional value, and overall animal performance while reducing feed costs and environmental risk.

Matthew Colley is a diversified agricultural producer. He grows grain and tobacco and raises 10,000 head of hogs along with a large poultry operation. Colley planted a few acres of hemp in 2017 to experiment with growing the crop and processing it for cannabidiol, the nonpsychoactive cannabinoid known as CBD and used in a variety of health products.