Water is a valuable resource and with the prolonged drought well into its fourth year, many farmers are changing how they water their crops.
Several years ago, a farmer would use a center pivot irrigation unit to water an entire circle of one crop. Now, one type crop is planted under half the pivot with a more drought tolerant crop planted on the other half. Water is dispersed on the crop with the greatest moisture need with hopes for enough rainfall during the season for the other crop to harvest, according to Southwest Farm Press.
Farmers are practicing other water saving strategies, too. Reducing tillage and leaving residue on the soil surface help conserve moisture and save soil. Installing subsurface drip irrigation systems, renozzled pivots or changing planting patterns help stretch declining water sources.