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<br />QI') <br />(..) <br />~ <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />r:.,:; <br /> <br />Additional soil analysis equipment was purchased by the Bureau of <br />Reclamation to accurately determine water holding capacities. Repre- <br />sentative soil samples were taken during the nonirrigation season from <br />each field in the program. Soil investigations were made by the irri- <br />gation field representatives when problem areas occurred within a <br />given field. <br /> <br />This past season the contribution of ground water and its effect <br />on crop consumptive use was studied. A number of wells were installed <br />and ground water readings made weekly. Beginning late in the irriga- <br />tion season a well water sampling program was initiated. <br /> <br />A packet was given to each participant this year containing a <br />number of guide sheets. A computer printout key was furnished to help <br />the farmer better understand the computer printout and make better use <br />of it. Also included in the packet is an acreage t:able and chart for <br />estimating siphon tube discharge. <br /> <br />In order to furnish the program to as many farmers as possible, <br />each participant was encouraged to notify the irrigation scheduling <br />team of changes in field crop status. This included planting dates, <br />harvest dates, alfalfa cutting dates, and irrigations. Reporting <br />forms and self-addressed envelopes were furnished 1:0 the farmers. <br />Also furnished for their convenience was a 24-hour, 7-day answering <br />service. <br /> <br />Each field was visited weekly by an irrigation field representa- <br />tive to compare the computer analysis with the actual field conditions. <br />Crop status stored on memory files by the computer were corrected as <br />required. <br /> <br />During the 1973 season many changes were made to improve the <br />efficiency of the irrigation scheduling program. Better use of avail- <br />able electronic computers and improved methods of collecting field <br />data were used. <br /> <br />The cooperation with the farmers this season has been good. It <br />is expected that most of the present farmers will return next season <br />and will plan on scheduling additional fields. <br /> <br />The water quality sampling program was enlarged this past season. <br />Presently major washes and drains throughout the valley are being <br />sampled at approximately 90 stations. <br /> <br />-2- <br /> <br />copied: CWCB:tam <br />11/20/73 <br />