Erosion and Sedimentation Processes on Irrigated Fields
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 119, Issue 6
Abstract
Soil erosion is sometimes excessive during furrow irrigation and under center pivot sprinkler systems. An understanding of erosion processes is required to predict and develop management practices to reduce irrigation induced erosion. Little erosion process research has been carried out under irrigation, but much of the extensive channel sediment transport and rainfall‐induced erosion process research can be adapted to irrigated conditions. Soil erosion occurs when fluid in motion detaches and transports soil particles. Sedimentation occurs when the fluid transport capacity decreases to less than the sediment load. Hydraulic forces of moving water and soil factors such as aggregate stability and particle size determine erosion and sedimentation. Under furrow irrigation, the shear of the overland flow against the soil provides the detachment force and is a primary factor determining channel transport capacity. With sprinkler irrigation, water drop energy detaches particles, some of which may be transported downslope by shallow interrill flow if the water application rate exceeds the soil infiltration rate.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 119 • Issue 6 • November 1993
Pages: 947 - 963
Copyright
Copyright © 1993 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 26, 1992
Published online: Nov 1, 1993
Published in print: Nov 1993
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