Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Kimberly, Idaho » Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #298405
Title: Erosion: Irrigation-induced

Author
item Lehrsch, Gary
item Lentz, Rodrick
item Bjorneberg, David - Dave
item SOJKA, R.E. - Retired ARS Employee

Submitted to: Online Reference Database Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/22/2014
Publication Date: 2/22/2014
Citation: Lehrsch, G.A., Lentz, R.D., Bjorneberg, D.L., Sojka, R. 2014. Erosion: Irrigation-induced. Online Reference Database Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences. p. 1-10.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Soil can be eroded by sprinkler or surface irrigation. Once sprinkler droplet kinetic energy detaches soil, overland flow transports the sediment downslope and off-site. Protecting the soil surface, increasing sprinkler wetted diameters, and tilling to increase infiltration and thereby lessen overland flow are effective control measures. Runoff minimization and management are key to reducing erosion induced by either sprinkler or surface irrigation. Slowing furrow stream velocities with mulch or crop residues reduces the flow’s hydraulic shear and, in turn, detachment of soil from furrow wetted perimeters. Stabilizing surface soil with, for example, polyacrylamide, bio-polymers, or whey keeps soil in place and helps maintains acceptable water quality in nearby surface water.