TECHNICAL PAPERS
Sep 1, 1985

Salt Problems from Increased Irrigation Efficiency

Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 111, Issue 3

Abstract

Increasing on‐farm irrigation efficiency reduces deep percolation and generally increases concentrations of soluble salts in the root zone. Since more salt precipitation occurs within the porous soil matrix, the mass of soluble salts is reduced. In addition, exchangeable sodium builds up on the cation exchange complex and plant available water decreases. Conventional irrigation scheduling techniques become less adequate and the need for salinity monitoring increases. Generally, however, the potential benefits of increasing irrigation efficiency outweigh the potential problems caused by the aforementioned.

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References

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Go to Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 111Issue 3September 1985
Pages: 218 - 229

History

Published online: Sep 1, 1985
Published in print: Sep 1985

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Authors

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J. D. Rhoades
Research Leader, Soil and Water Chemistry, U.S. Salinity Lab., United States Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Region, Riverside, Calif. 92501

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