This dataset contains water balance data for each year when alfalfa was grown at the USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Laboratory (CPRL), Soil and Water Management Research Unit (SWMRU) research weather station, Bushland, Texas (Lat. 35.186714°, Long. -102.094189°, elevation 1170 m above MSL). Alfalfa was grown on two large, precision weighing lysimeters, each in the center of a 4.44 ha square field in 1996 through 1999. Irrigation was by linear move sprinkler system. Irrigations were managed to replenish soil water used by the crop on a weekly or more frequent basis as determined by soil profile water content readings made with a neutron probe to 2.4-m depth in the field. The weighing lysimeters were used to measure relative soil water storage to 0.05 mm accuracy at 5-minute intervals, and the 5-minute change in soil water storage was used along with precipitation and irrigation amounts to calculate crop evapotranspiration (ET), which is reported at 15-minute intervals. Because the large (3 m by 3 m surface area) weighing lysimeters are better rain gages than are tipping bucket gages, the 15-minute precipitation data are derived for each lysimeter from changes in lysimeter mass. The land slope is <0.3% and flat. The water balance data consist of 15-minute and daily amounts of evapotranspiration (ET), dew/frost fall, precipitation (rain/snow), irrigation, scale counterweight adjustment, and emptying of drainage tanks, all in mm. The values are the result of a rigorous quality control process involving algorithms for detecting dew/frost accumulations, and precipitation (rain and snow). Changes in lysimeter mass due to emptying of drainage tanks, counterweight adjustment, maintenance activity, and harvest are accounted for such that ET values are minimally affected. The ET data should be considered to be the best values offered in these datasets. Even though ET data are also presented in the "lysimeter" datasets, the values herein are the result of a more rigorous quality control process. Dew and frost accumulation varies from year to year and seasonally within a year, and it is affected by lysimeter surface condition [bare soil, tillage condition, residue amount and orientation (flat or standing), etc.]. Particularly during winter and depending on humidity and cloud cover, dew and frost accumulation sometimes accounts for an appreciable percentage of total daily ET. These datasets originate from research aimed at determining crop water use (ET), reference "tall crop" ET, crop coefficients for use in ET-based irrigation scheduling based on a reference ET, crop growth, yield, harvest index, and crop water productivity as affected by irrigation method, timing, amount (full or some degree of deficit), agronomic practices, cultivar, and weather. Prior publications have focused on alfalfa ET, crop coefficients, crop water productivity reference "tall crop" ET, alternative methods of estimating reference ET from weather data. Crop coefficients have been used by ET networks. The data have utility for testing simulation models of crop ET, growth, and yield.

Farming Systems Study for Greenhouse gas Reduction through Agricultural Carbon Enhancement network in Morris, Minnesota Tillage is decreasing globally due to recognized benefits of fuel savings and improved soil health in the absence of disturbance. However, a perceived inability to control weeds effectively and economically hinders no-till adoption in organic production systems in the Upper Midwest, USA. A strip-tillage (ST) strategy was explored as an intermediate approach to reducing fuel use and soil disturbance, and still controlling weeds. An 8-year comparison was made between two tillage approaches, one primarily using ST the other using a combination of conventional plow, disk and chisel tillage [conventional tillage (CT)]. Additionally, two rotation schemes were explored within each tillage system: a 2-year rotation (2y) of corn (Zea mays L.), and soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) with a winter rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop; and a 4-year rotation (4y) of corn, soybean, spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) underseeded with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and a second year of alfalfa. These treatments resulted in comparison of four main management systems CT-2y, CT-4y, ST-2y and ST-4y, which also were managed under fertilized and non-fertilized conditions. Yields, whole system productivity (evaluated with potential gross returns), and weed seed densities (first 4 years) were measured. Across years, yields of corn, soybean and wheat were greater by 34% or more under CT than ST but alfalfa yields were the same. Within tillage strategies, corn yields were the same in 2y and 4y rotations, but soybean yields, only under ST, were 29% lower in the fertilized 4y than 2 yr rotation. In the ST-4y system yields of corn and soybean were the same in fertilized and non-fertilized treatments. Over the entire rotation, system productivity was highest in the fertilized CT-2y system, but the same among fertilized ST-4y, and non-fertilized ST-2y, ST-4y, and CT-4y systems. Over the first 4 years, total weed seed density increased comparatively more under ST than CT, and was negatively correlated to corn yields in fertilized CT systems and soybean yields in the fertilized ST-2y system. These results indicated ST compromised productivity, in part due to insufficient weed control, but also due to reduced nutrient availability. ST and diverse rotations may yet be viable options given that overall productivity of fertilized ST-2y and CT-4y systems was within 70% of that in the fertilized CT-2y system. Closing the yield gap between ST and CT would benefit from future research focused on organic weed and nutrient management, particularly for corn.

This dataset consists of growth and yield data for each year when alfalfa was grown at the USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Laboratory (CPRL), Soil and Water Management Research Unit (SWMRU) research weather station, Bushland, Texas (Lat. 35.186714°, Long. -102.094189°, elevation 1170 m above MSL). Alfalfa was grown on two large, precision weighing lysimeters, each in the center of a 4.44 ha square field. The two square fields were themselves arranged with one directly north of and contiguous with the other. The two fields and lysimeters within each field were designated northeast (NE), and southeast (SE). Irrigation was by linear move sprinkler system in autumn 1995 when the alfalfa was planted through 1999. Irrigations were managed to replenish soil water used by the crop on a weekly or more frequent basis as determined by soil profile water content readings made with a neutron probe to 2.4-m depth in the field. The growth and yield data include height, leaf area index, growth stage, total above-ground biomass, leaf and stem biomass, and final yield. Data are from replicate samples in the field and non-destructive (except for harvest) measurements on the weighing lysimeters. In most cases yield data are available from both manual sampling on replicate plots in each field and from machine harvest. These datasets originate from research aimed at determining crop water use (ET), crop coefficients for use in ET-based irrigation scheduling based on a reference ET, crop growth, yield, harvest index, and crop water productivity as affected by irrigation method, timing, amount (full or some degree of deficit), agronomic practices, cultivar, and weather. Prior publications have focused on alfalfa ET, comparisons with "tall crop" reference ET, crop coefficients, and crop water productivity. Crop coefficients have been used by ET networks. The data have utility for testing simulation models of crop ET, growth, and yield, and for studies of reference ET methods. Resources in this dataset: Resource Title: 1999 Bushland, TX, east alfalfa growth and yield data. File Name: 1999_alfalfa_plant_growth_&_yield.xlsx. Resource Description: This dataset consists of growth and yield data the 1999 season when alfalfa was grown at the USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Laboratory (CPRL), Soil and Water Management Research Unit (SWMRU) research weather station, Bushland, Texas (Lat. 35.186714°, Long. -102.094189°, elevation 1170 m above MSL). Alfalfa was grown on two large, precision weighing lysimeters, each in the center of a 4.44 ha square field. The two square fields were themselves arranged with one directly north of and contiguous with the other. Fields and lysimeters within each field were designated northeast (NE), and southeast (SE). Irrigation was by linear move sprinkler system. Irrigations were managed to replenish soil water used by the crop on a weekly or more frequent basis as determined by soil profile water content readings made with a neutron probe to 2.4-m depth in the field. Irrigation management resulted in the crop being well watered and meeting reference “tall crop” conditions during periods before harvests. The growth and yield data include plant height, leaf area index, growth stage, total above-ground biomass, leaf and stem biomass, and final yield. Data are from replicate samples in the field and non-destructive (except for final harvest) measurements on the weighing lysimeters. In most cases yield data are available from both manual sampling on replicate plots in each field and from machine harvest. There is a single spreadsheet for the east (NE and SE) lysimeters and fields. The spreadsheets contain tabs for data and corresponding tabs for data dictionaries. Typically, there are separate data tabs and corresponding dictionaries for plant growth during the season, crop growth stage, plant population, manual harvest from replicate plots in each field and from lysimeter surfaces, and machine (combine) harvest. An Introduction tab explains the tab names and contents, lists the authors, explains conventions, and lists some relevant references. Resource Title: 1998 Bushland, TX, east alfalfa growth and yield data. File Name: 1998_alfalfa_plant_growth_&_yield.xlsx. Resource Description: As described above, for 1998 season. Resource Title: 1997 Bushland, TX, east alfalfa growth and yield data. File Name: 1997_alfalfa_plant_growth_&_yield.xlsx. Resource Description: As described above, for 1997 season. Resource Title: 1996 Bushland, TX, east alfalfa growth and yield data. File Name: 1996_alfalfa_plant_growth_&_yield.xlsx. Resource Description: As described above, for 1996 season.

Quick Stats is the National Agricultural Statistics Service's (NASS) online, self-service tool to access complete results from the 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012 Censuses of Agriculture as well as the best source of NASS survey published estimates. The census collects data on all commodities produced on U.S. farms and ranches, as well as detailed information on expenses, income, and operator characteristics. The surveys that NASS conducts collect information on virtually every facet of U.S. agricultural production.

Quick Stats API is the programmatic interface to the National Agricultural Statistics Service's (NASS) online database containing results from the 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012 Censuses of Agriculture as well as the best source of NASS survey published estimates. The census collects data on all commodities produced on U.S. farms and ranches, as well as detailed information on expenses, income, and operator characteristics. The surveys that NASS conducts collect information on virtually every facet of U.S. agricultural production.

This parent dataset (collection of datasets) describes the general organization of data in the datasets for each growing season (year) when alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was grown as a reference evapotranspiration (ETr) crop at the USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Laboratory (CPRL), Soil and Water Management Research Unit (SWMRU), Bushland, Texas (Lat. 35.186714°, Long. -102.094189°, elevation 1170 m above MSL). Alfalfa was grown on two large, precision weighing lysimeters, calibrated to NIST standards (Howell et al., 1995). Each lysimeter was in the center of a 4.44 ha square field on which alfalfa was also grown (Evett et al., 2000). The two fields were contiguous and arranged with one (labeled northeast, NE) directly north of the other (labeled southeast, SE). See the resource "Geographic Coordinates, USDA, ARS, Bushland, Texas" for UTM geographic coordinates for field and lysimeter locations. Alfalfa was planted in Autumn 1995 and grown for hay in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999. The resource "Agronomic Calendar for the Bushland, Texas Alfalfa Datasets", gives a calendar listing by date the agronomic practices applied, severe weather, and activities (e.g. planting, thinning, fertilization, pesticide application, lysimeter maintenance, harvest) in and on lysimeters that could influence crop growth, water use, and lysimeter data. These include fertilizer and pesticide applications. There is one calendar, from before planting in autumn 1995 to after final harvest in 1999, for the NE and SE lysimeters and fields. There were 4 harvests each year except 1998 when 5 harvests were taken. Irrigation was by linear move sprinkler system equipped with pressure regulated low pressure sprays (mid-elevation spray application, MESA). Irrigations were managed to replenish soil water used by the crop on a weekly or more frequent basis as determined by soil profile water content readings via field-calibrated (Evett and Steiner, 1995) neutron probe from 0.10- to 2.4-m depth in the field. Lysimeters and fields were planted to the same plant density, row spacing, tillage depth (by hand on the lysimeters and by machine in the fields), and fertilizer and pesticide applications. Weighing lysimeters measured relative soil water storage to 0.05 mm accuracy at 5-min intervals, and the 5-min change in soil water storage was used along with precipitation, dew and frost accumulation, and irrigation amounts to calculate crop evapotranspiration (ET), reported at 15-min intervals. Each lysimeter was instrumented to sense wind speed, air temperature and humidity, radiant energy (incoming and reflected, typically both shortwave and longwave), surface temperature, soil heat flux, and soil temperature, all at 15-min intervals. Instruments used changed from season to season, thus subsidiary datasets and data dictionaries for each season are required. The Bushland weighing lysimeter research program is described by Evett et al. (2016), and lysimeter design is described by Marek et al. (1988). Important conventions concerning the data-time correspondence, sign conventions, and terminology specific to the USDA ARS, Bushland, TX, field operations are given in the resource "Conventions for Bushland, TX, Weighing Lysimeter Datasets". There are 5 datasets in this collection. Common symbols and abbreviations used are defined in the resource "Symbols and Abbreviations for Bushland, TX, Weighing Lysimeter Datasets". Datasets consist of Excel (xlsx) files. Each xlsx file contains an Introductory tab that explains the other tabs, lists the authors, describes conventions and symbols used, and lists instruments used. The remaining tabs in a file consist of dictionary and data tabs. The name of the dictionary tab contains the name of the corresponding data tab. Tab names are unique so that each CSV file in the entire collection would have a different name when saved. The 5 datasets, according to their titles, are: Growth and Yield Data for the Bushland, Texas Alfalfa Datasets Weighing Lysimeter Data for The Bushland, Texas Alfalfa Datasets Soil Water Content Data for The Bushland, Texas, Large Weighing Lysimeter Experiments Evapotranspiration, Irrigation, Dew/frost - Water Balance Data for The Bushland, Texas Alfalfa Datasets Standard Quality Controlled Research Weather Data – USDA-ARS, Bushland, Texas See README for descriptions of each dataset. The soil is a Pullman series fine, mixed, superactive, thermic Torrertic Paleustoll. Soil properties are given in the resource titled "Soil Properties for the Bushland, TX, Weighing Lysimeter Datasets". Land slope in the lysimeter fields is <0.3% and topography is flat. Mean annual precipitation is ~470 mm, the 20-year pan evaporation record indicates ~2,600 mm Class A pan evaporation per year, and winds are typically from the South and Southwest. Climate is semi-arid with ~70% (350 mm) of the annual precipitation occurring from May to Sep, during which period the pan evaporation averages ~1520 mm. These datasets originate from research on crop water use (ET), reference ET methods for irrigation scheduling, crop coefficients for use in ET-based irrigation scheduling based on a reference ET, crop growth, yield, harvest index, and crop water productivity as affected by irrigation method, timing, amount (full or some degree of deficit), agronomic practices, cultivar, and weather. Prior publications have described the facilities and research methods (Evett et al., 2016), and have focused on alfalfa ET (Todd et al., 1998), the Bowen ratio method applied to alfalfa ET (Todd et al., 2000), comparison of alfalfa ET to ETr calculated from weather data (Evett et al., 1998, 2000), new methods of calculating ETr (Evett et al., 2010, 2012; Lascano and Evett, 2007, 2010; Lascano et al, 2010), and crop water productivity. Crop coefficients (Howell et al., 2006) have been used by ET networks for irrigation management. The data have utility for testing simulation models of crop ET (Colaizzi et al., 2005; Thorp et al., 2019), growth, and yield by several universities and for testing, and calibrating models of ET that use satellite and/or weather data. Resources in this dataset: * Resource Title: Geographic Coordinates of Experimental Assets, Weighing Lysimeter Experiments, USDA, ARS, Bushland, Texas. File Name: Geographic Coordinates, USDA, ARS, Bushland, Texas.xlsx Resource Description: The file gives the UTM latitude and longitude of important experimental assets of the CPRL. Locations include weather stations (SWMRU and CPRL), large weighing lysimeters, and corners of fields within which each lysimeter was centered. There were four fields designated NE, SE, NW, and SW, and a weighing lysimeter was centered in each field. The SWMRU weather station was adjacent to and immediately east of the NE and SE lysimeter fields. Resource Title: Conventions for Bushland, TX, Weighing Lysimeter Datasets. File Name: Conventions for Bushland, TX, Weighing Lysimeter Datasets.xlsx Resource Description: Descriptions of conventions and terminology used in the Bushland, TX, weighing lysimeter research program. Resource Title: Symbols and Abbreviations for Bushland, TX, Weighing Lysimeter Datasets. File Name: Symbols and Abbreviations for Bushland, TX, Weighing Lysimeter Datasets.xlsx Resource Description: Definitions of symbols and abbreviations used in the Bushland, TX, weighing lysimeter research datasets. Resource Title: Agronomic Calendar for the Bushland, Texas Alfalfa Datasets. File Name: 1995-1999 Alfalfa Calendar.xlsx Resource Description: The calendar lists by date the agronomic practices applied, severe weather, and activities (e.g., planting, thinning, fertilization, pesticide application, lysimeter maintenance, harvest) in and on lysimeters that could influence crop growth, water use, and lysimeter data. These include fertilizer and pesticide applications. There is one calendar, from before planting in autumn 1995 to after final harvest in 1999, for the NE and SE lysimeters and fields. Resource Title: Soil Properties for the Bushland, TX, Weighing Lysimeter Datasets. File Name: Bushland_TX_soil_properties.xlsx Resource Description: Soil properties useful for simulation modeling and describing the soil are given for the Pullman soil series at the CPRL. For each soil layer, soil horizon designation and texture according to USDA Soil Taxonomy, bulk density, porosity, water content at field capacity (33 kPa) and permanent wilting point (1500 kPa), percent sand, percent silt, percent clay, percent organic matter, pH, and van Genuchten-Mualem characteristic curve parameters describing the soil hydraulic properties are given. A separate table describes the soil horizon thicknesses, designations, and textures according to USDA Soil Taxonomy. Another table describes important aspects of the soil hydrology and rooting behavior. Resource Title: README - Bushland Texas Alfalfa collection. File Name: README_Bushland_alfalfa_collection.pdf Resource Description: Descriptions of the datasets in the Bushland Texas Alfalfa collection.