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Title: THE EFFECTS OF SUBSURFACE DRIP AND FURROW IRRIGATION ON THE MOVEMENT OF SALTS AND NITRATE IN THE ROOT ZONE

Author
item BERRADA, ABDEL - COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
item Halvorson, Ardell
item BARTOLO, MICHAEL - COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
item VALLIANT, JAMES - COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/3/2006
Publication Date: 11/5/2006
Citation: Berrada, A.F., Halvorson, A.D., Bartolo, M.E., Valliant, J. 2006. The effects of subsurface drip and furrow irrigation on the movement of salts and nitrate in the root zone. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Drip irrigation is gaining in importance in the Arkansas Valley, but its effects on crops and the movement of salts, nitrates, and other pollutants is not well known. In 2005, the effects of four N fertilizer rates (0, 60, 120, and 180 lb N/a) and four manure rates (10, 20, and 30 t/a) on corn yield and salt and nitrate concentration in the soil were studied under subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) and furrow irrigation (FrI) with full and deficit irrigation regimes. There was no significant difference in corn yield between SDI and FrI, even though twice as much water was applied with FrI than with SDI. Deficit irrigation decreased corn yields significantly. There was no yield response to N rate beyond 60 lb N/a under deficit irrigation, and a significant yield loss with 30 t manure/a. Under full irrigation, the highest yield was obtained with 180 lb N/a. Manure application increased soil salinity, which led to lower plant population compared to the non-manure treatments. Higher ECe values were observed at the 4- to 6-ft. soil depth under SDI than under FrI, probably due to greater leaching with the FrI system. This study will be repeated in 2006.