Reuse of Saline-Sodic Drainage Water for Irrigation

Reuse of saline-sodic drainage water is an important management option in areas of the western San Joaquin Valley affected by shallow ground water. A number of scientific investigations, computer simulations and on-farm research projects involving drainage water reuse have been conducted over the past twenty years. Several strategies have been proposed, tested and found successful over a number of years. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to control soil salination, avoid adverse effects on soil physical properties, and to select potential crops that are suitable for reuse systems. Trace elements such as boron, selenium and molybdenum may also influence the feasibility of using saline-sodic drainage water for irrigation.