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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Kimberly, Idaho » Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #172842
Title: IRRIGATION-INDUCED EROSION

Author
item Sojka, Robert
item Bjorneberg, David - Dave
item Strelkoff, Theodor

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Monograph Series
Publication Type: Monograph
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/6/2007
Publication Date: 4/1/2007
Citation: Sojka, R.E., Bjorneberg, D.L., Strelkoff, T. 2007. Irrigation-induced erosion. American Society of Agronomy Monograph Series No. 30. p. 237-275.

Interpretive Summary: Irrigation produces a third of the worlds agricultural output and nearly half the crop value on about one sixth of the world's cropland base. This strategically important sector of humankind's survival system, however, is predominately located on fragile soils with thin topsoil depths that easily lose their production advantage if erosion occurs. However, erosion research focused specifically on the unique aspects and special needs of irrigated production has been very limited. Models of erosion developed using rain-derived parameters and statistically based storm timing and intensity as well as soil, water and landform parameters not relevant to irrigation have proven largely unreliable for estimating, predicting and inventorying irrigation induced erosion. Water quality and a host of system dynamics affect irrigation induced erosion differently than rain-induced erosion. This chapter presents an overview of the current knowledge regarding irrigation induced erosion theory, models and abatement practices.

Technical Abstract: Irrigation produces a third of the worlds agricultural output and nearly half the crop value on about one sixth of the world's cropland base. This strategically important sector of humankind's survival system, however, is predominately located on fragile soils with thin topsoil depths that easily lose their production advantage if erosion occurs. However, erosion research focused specifically on the unique aspects and special needs of irrigated production has been very limited. Models of erosion developed using rain-derived parameters and statistically based storm timing and intensity as well as soil, water and landform parameters not relevant to irrigation have proven largely unreliable for estimating, predicting and inventorying irrigation induced erosion. Water quality and a host of system dynamics affect irrigation induced erosion differently than rain-induced erosion. This chapter presents an overview of the current knowledge regarding irrigation induced erosion theory, models and abatement practices.