Agronomic services program
We live in a changing world. New and better ways to maximize plant growth while saving water. These advances are especially critical to homeowners' associations (HOAs) in the arid regions of the southwestern desert.
Desert conditions are the norm in Arizona, and water is and always has been a precious resource. SRP's water-management responsibilities are reflected in its innovative conservation programs and practices. Keeping abreast of new developments and the special services available to meet today's agricultural, turf and plant management demands is the job of SRP's Measurement Services division.
SRP specialists have developed a program that works directly with Valley water users. Saving water through proper irrigation timing and application may also save money by reducing the amount of water used, the number of irrigator hours and the amount of fertilizer used. In an area of limited water resources, wise water management can be a major determinant in turf and plant production, quality and cost. SRP's Measurement Services division is prepared to assist in the individual entity's water management efforts.
The service used to be available only by contract with agricultural shareholders, but it has been expanded to include other customers as well, such as HOAs. The specialists working within the program offer recommendations, but the final decision is always up to you.
Today, wise water management plus knowledge of current fertility conditions can help control the principal factors, which influence plant productivity. SRP's specialists help farmers and HOAs get the most from their water supplies and maximize their investments.
On-site assistance
Advising water users when to irrigate and the amount of water to apply during irrigation is the primary responsibility of SRP's specialists. Nature's variables pose specific and unique plant water requirements for each turf area and soil type. Using a soil probe (a tool that extracts soil samples for examination), the SRP specialists estimate soil moisture within the root zone. The information is correlated with the consumptive use and maturity of the turf and plants. By keeping a detailed record of irrigation activity, including the option of real-time measurement of actual water applied, the specialists can accurately predict the next required irrigation to ensure healthy plant growth.
Technical experience, continued educational updating and a thorough knowledge of soil types within the Valley have kept the Agronomic Services program functioning effectively.
Regular visits ensure accuracy
SRP's specialists work closely with participating customers. We encourage those who contract with the program to accompany the specialist during field checks. This gives the customer an opportunity to observe why technical determinations are made and ask specific questions.
Irrigation scheduling and plant tissue analysis consists of regular field checks for timely irrigation applications and petiole (or other plant tissue) samples for proper fertilization.- Soil and plant tissue analysis provides for soil samples taken in the preseason followed by regularly scheduled field checks for petiole (or other plant tissue) samples, depending on the season.
- Irrigation scheduling consists of regular field checks and consultations with the customer concerning timely irrigation applications.
- Water measurement instrumentation and environmental monitoring offer water measurement, nitrate evaluations and phosphate plotting analyses.
- Special services may include any service or consultation not listed in the standard packages. The cost of these services is based on time, materials and equipment used.
Upon request, soil samples taken by the specialists are processed in a chemical laboratory to determine nitrogen, phosphate, potash and salt quantities. This information can help the landowner set up an initial fertility program on the basis of real soil needs.
While the plant is maturing, plant tissue samples may be obtained by the specialist to verify soil sample results and predict any needed changes in the fertilizer program. In addition to soil moisture evaluations, soil and plant tissue analysis, water measurement instrumentation and other state-of-the-art automated technologies are available.
Water measurement instrumentation ensures the accurate measuring of water flow for accounting and billing purposes, as well as providing metrics for water conservation efforts.
Prices of special and other customized services will be quoted upon request. Call SRP for pricing information on any of the services requested.
Contracts are required and seasonal in nature, typically covering a summer or winter season or both. The terms and dates of the contracts depend on the services provided. Summer plants and turf have different requirements than plants and turf grown during the winter months.
Put SRP's Agronomic specialists to work for you. Contact us today.
Phone: (602) 236-5592
Fax: (602) 236-2159