Drip Irrigation and Soil :: Agriculture Agricultural Essays

Drip Irrigation and Soil Introduction Irrigation has had a substantial effect on agricultural history, from its use by Egyptian and Iranian farmers over 2500 years ago through modern agriculture (Troth 1980). The most common irrigation techniques of today are furrow, flood, sprinkler and drip. Furrow and flood both flood the irrigated area, while sprinkler and drip are direct applicators. Drip irrigation is gaining popularity for its efficiency of irrigation. Drip Irrigation Drip, or trickle, irrigation is a process of selective water application. A number of emitters are placed either on or below ground level. Placement of emitters is numerous in order to directly apply water to the crop. A pressurized pipe system supplies the emitters with water which then wets the soil within the root zone. Frequently, fertilizers are also applied using this method. Water efficiency is one of the most important characteristics of this recently developed technique. 90% of applied water is available for crop use (Troth 1980). The constant presence of water in the soil has a positive effect for crops. (Bresler, 1977). Water efficiency also provides for a slower application of water to the soil. The application rate controls infiltration rate which allows for a more uniform wetting in the individual root zone. In furrow and flood irrigation, waterlogging and water fluctuation can cause evaporation losses, plant damage, and erosion (Singer, 1996). Selective application prevents such instances from occurring under drip irrigation. Effects on Soil Irrigation plays a significant role in soil structure. The effects could be either beneficial or harmful to the soil, while separately affecting its short term crop productivity. Long-term damage to the soil, however, will result in decline of soil productivity. Farming techniques which use earth-moving machines can appear effective for crop production, but will eventually damage the topsoil (McLaren, 1990). Erosion Any irrigation will decided role in the structure of a soil. The effects could be either beneficial or harmful to the soil, while separately affecting its short term crop productivity. Long-term damage to the soil, however, will result in decline of soil productivity, and regardless of the initial bountiful harvests crop yield will decrease. For example, farming techniques which use earth-moving machines can appear effective for crop production, but will eventually damage the topsoil which thereby decreases crop productivity (McLaren, 1990). Erosion is a substantial contributor to deterioration of soil quality. Flood and furrow irrigation use a high influx of water to immerse the crop area.