Effect of Irigation Efficiencies on Nitrogen Leaching Losses
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 111, Issue 3
Abstract
The literature was reviewed to determine the effect increasing irrigation efficiencies have had on leaching. The mass of leached is directly related to the drainage volume. By increasing irrigation efficiencies, both the drainage volume and amount of leaching are reduced. Both water management and nitrogen management are important in controlling leaching. By using improved water management practices that control the amount of water applied and using the proper time to apply water, the irrigation efficiency is increased and leaching is reduced. Applying only enough N fertilizer to meet crop requirements for a realistic yield goal, time of application and use of slow release fertilizers are N management practices that will reduce leaching. However, it is impossible to reduce leaching to zero in the humid region on coarse‐textured soils and still maintain adequate crop yields. Nitrogen simulation models cannot be widely used to evaluate N management practices and irrigation water management practices that increase irrigation efficiencies because of the lack of required input data.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 111 • Issue 3 • September 1985
Pages: 230 - 240
Copyright
Copyright © 1985 ASCE.
History
Published online: Sep 1, 1985
Published in print: Sep 1985
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