Whether it is in the home or in the yard, it is important for persons who rely on domestic water wells to use their groundwater resources as efficiently as possible.

Rural residents can learn more about irrigation scheduling and domestic well maintenance at an April 13 workshop at the Cornerstone Ranch Event Center, 1901 Cement Plant Rd., in Bushland.

The free program begins at 10 a.m. and concludes with a catered lunch at 12 noon.

"Irrigating lawns with domestic water wells can present unique challenges for homeowners in rural areas,” said Dr. Gary Marek, agricultural engineer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) at Bushland. “Adoption of prudent management strategies can lead to more effective irrigation and extend limited groundwater resources.”

Workshop topics include:

•  Irrigation Scheduling: How much to water, how often, and when not to water.
•  Fertility Management: When and how much fertilizer should be used?
• Turfgrass Varieties: Best options for turfgrass, water use characteristics, and aesthetics.
• Domestic water well maintenance: Components of a well, maintenance, and contamination concerns.

Soil moisture probes, rain gauges, and other items will be distributed during lunch.

Funding for the workshop is provided by HPWD through its research and demonstration program.

Additional funding is provided by the Ogallala Aquifer Program. Other sponsors include USDA-ARS and Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension.

Additional information about the workshop is available by contacting Dr. Marek at (806) 356-5717 or emailing him at gary.marek@ars.usda.gov.