What I learned about Southwestern Colorado Master Irrigator Course

Featuring topics related to:

•         How Soil Properties impact Water Management
•         Soil Health
•         Crop Selection and Rotations
•         Irrigation Efficiencies & Limitations
•         Scheduling Technologies
•         Water Quality & Salinity Management
•         Enterprise Analysis

This winter, I registered and attended the Southwestern Colorado Master Irrigator Course.  This course has never been offered in the area and I was very excited to have the opportunity to expand my knowledge on all topics being covered, plus certify as a master irrigator. The course spans over a four week period, meeting once a week with specific topics and presenters from Colorado, New Mexico and Kansas State Universities, Colorado Extension Agency, and other masters of their field guests.

The first week started with soils. It wasn’t new to me to know that I need to get my soils tested and to truly understand the organic matter percentage. This percentage of organic matter directly relates to the carbon quality. We also learned how to use the soil textural triangle by determining the percentage of sand, silt and clay in the soil, the basic parent material. We also learned how to estimate soil moisture by feel and appearance. Knowing these components affects a number of soil properties such as pH, water and nutrient holding capacity, water infiltration rate, compaction potential, workability and erosion potential. There was also the introduction of some technology equipment such as the Soil Moisture monitor.

The second week entailed at depth about irrigation, including but not limited to irrigation efficiencies and limitations, scheduling, technology and data management, weather stations and soil moisture monitors, and sprinkler and irrigation maintenance.

The third week entailed soil management, fertility, testing crop varieties that’s best suited for production.

In the fourth week, my favorite – is about the in-depth discussion of the Colorado water basin compact, profitability analysis, niche products, budgets, business management, funding opportunities and more.   

Upon attending and completing the above mentioned course, I have set a To Do list this year –

Test my soils, create a scheduled irrigation routine, look into funding for drought tolerant crops, keep data and analyze for profitability.

Why did I go?

My land needed to be taken to the next step, by next step I mean, I needed help. The invasion of weeds and the implementation of a new way of irrigation I found myself needing some expert advice and education.

Did I fulfill my desired need?

Yes! Absolutely. I look forward to sharing with my audience the plan, implementation, crop implementation, management and analysis,  etc…