The principles of direct seeding on irrigation are the same as on dryland.

Direct seeding benefits include:

• Better soil quality
• Increased water infiltration. Land irrigates better
• Moisture at seeding
• Improved soil tilth, less crusting
• More biologically active soils
• Time savings from fewer passes
• Less wear and tear on equipment
• Less wind and water erosion
• Reduced costs and better net returns
• Residue management is critical because of consistently high yields in cereals and oilseeds

Wind erosion is an issue in irrigated row crops such as potatoes, beets and beans. Southern Alberta Growers, Alberta Agriculture and Alberta Reduced Tillage Linkages are working on methods for controlling wind erosion after harvest of row crops. Straw crimping trials and fall seeded crops are two of the methods being tried. For more information check out the BMP Manual for Crop Producers.    

Rotation and diversity of crops being grown are important in dryland and irrigated crops.