Demonstration of Level Basin Irrigation Technology

Level basin technology has the potential to reduce on-farm water uses for irrigation purposes by as much as 30%. This technology has been implemented in certain regions across the nation, especially in the arid southwest, to produce many crops. Level basin technology has been utilized in the rice production areas of eastern Arkansas for more than 40 years. The utilization of this technology is growing in acceptance in Louisiana, primarily for the production of rice, and in Missouri, which has less rainfall. Level basin technology has not been widely accepted in the East by farmers for the production of other crops, primarily soybeans, because of drainage concerns. Farmers are concerned that level basins will not permit adequate drainage for crops such as soybeans, cotton, and milo. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate and encourage the widespread adoption of level basin irrigation systems for soybean production. We believe that, using level basin technology, producers in humid regions can achieve high yield soybean production while utilizing approximately 30% less water with a resulting reduction in Energy savings through reduced pumping costs.