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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #163195
Title: INTRODUCTION OF BOOK TITLED MICROIRRIGATION FOR CROP PRODUCTION

Author
item Ayars, James
item Bucks, Dale
item LAMM, FREDDIE - KANSAS STATE UNIV
item Nakayama, Francis

Submitted to: Microirrigation International Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/11/2002
Publication Date: 10/1/2006
Citation: Ayars, J.E., Bucks, D.A., Lamm, F.R., Nakayama, F.S. 2006. Introduction of book titled microirrigation for crop production. Microirrigation International Conference Proceedings. Book/Chapter, Chapter 1, pgs 1-26.

Interpretive Summary: This is the introductory chapter of the book titled "Microirrigation for Crop Production". It discusses the history and early development of microirrigation in the United States and throughout the world. The advantages and disadvantages of microirrigation are discussed and the individual chapters in the book are noted as part of the discussion. Microirrigation is becoming a significant irrigation practice in the world and this book provides the information needed to begin the design and operation of the major types of irrigation systems.

Technical Abstract: Microirrigation is the "newest" type of irrigation having become significantly adopted in only the last 3 decades. This has been in response to improvements in the plastics and associated equipment needed to construct and operate microirrigation systems. There are an estimated 3,200,000 ha of micro-irrigated land worldwide with the US having the largest irrigated area followed by India. New low cost systems are being developed for application in third world countries. This chapter discusses the early development of microirrigation in the world and the United States. The advantages of this technology are discussed including improved water use efficiency, improved crop yields and quality, reduced deep percolation, the ability to use saline water without impacting the crop. Microirrigation systems are ideal for chemigation and application of biological effluents while having lower energy requirements than other pressurized systems. The disadvantages are also considered including; extensive maintenance, salt accumulation at the edge of the wetting pattern, restricted root development in some solid, high initial costs and restricted cropping systems. The system components are highlighted and discussed in general terms. Specific details of system design is covered in the individual chapters in the book.