Central Aroostook  Soil & Water Conservation District

Irrigation Guide

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Maine Irrigation Guide Contents

*THE IRRIGATION GUIDE IS CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED FOR COMPLIANCE WITH MAINE DEP CHAPTER 587 "LOW FLOW RULES". CHECK BACK SOON FOR REVISIONS.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.*

Download sections of the Guide by clicking on the Section number

SECTION 1 - Introduction

1-2 Why Irrigation is Needed 1-3 Maine’s Irrigation Challenges 1-4 History of Irrigation in Maine 1-5 Future of Irrigation Maine 1-6 The Decision to Irrigate

SECTION 2 - Irrigation Benefits for Specific Crops

2-1 Fruit Crops 2-5 Vegetable Crops 2-10 Nursery Stock 2-12 Sod

SECTION 3 - Water Use Management Planning

3-2 Elements of a Water Use Management Plan 3-3 Uses for Irrigation Water 3-5 Irrigation Water Budget 3-6 Water Source Consideration 3-7 Natural Flowing Water Sources 3-10 Natural Storages 3-13 Man-made Storages 3-17 Groundwater Sources 3-22 Water Source Quantity Assessement Considerations 3-23 Components of Assessing Irrigation Water Needs

SECTION 4 - Irrigation Application Systems

4-1 Irrigation System Components 4-5 Application Hardware 4-7 Fixed or Portable Systems 4-7 Selecting an Irrigation System 4-9 Noise Control for Irrigation Systems

SECTION 5 - Conservation Practices and Irrigation Scheduling

SECTION 6 - Irrigation Water Source Permitting in Maine

6-2 Abbreviations 6-2 Interactive CD 6-5 Step 1: Management Plan 6-5 Step 2: Site Visit 6-6 Step 3: Permits – Well 6-8 Step 3: Permits – Pond 6-12 Step 3: Permits – Direct Withdrawal 6-14 Other Regulations 6-16 Contacts

SECTION 7 - Introduction to Irrigation Costs & Returns

7-2 Wild Blueberry Irrigation 7-7 Potato Irrigation

APPENDIX

A-1 Abbreviations A-2 Water use Management Plan and Map A-13 USFW New England Stream Flow Recommendations A-16 AWSMB Low Flow A-20 Source List A-24 Maine Soils

 

 
 

The Central Aroostook Soil & Water Conservation District is a Non-Profit Organization. All proceeds from our fundraising efforts are used to promote conservation and the wise use of our natural resources. The Central Aroostook County SWCD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.