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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 #197482
Title: MICROIRRIGATION FOR CROP PRODUCTION

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

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/11/2002
Publication Date: 10/1/2006
Citation: Lamm, F.R., Ayars, J.E., Nakayama, F.S. 2006. Microirrigation for Crop Production. Amsterdam: Elsevier. 618 p.

Interpretive Summary: Microirrigation, the slow and targeted application of irrigation water to prescribed soil volumes has became synonymous with modern and efficient irrigation practices that conserve and protect precious water resources and maximize plant performance. Continuing research and development have improved emitter design, system design and installation, water filtration and treatment, and system and crop management since the publication of the book, Trickle Irrigation for Crop Production in 1986. Also, improved reliability of computers and data acquisition and processing has widened the application of automated control to microirrigation and led to broad acceptance in both large and small commercial field operations. Traditionally, microirrigation has been used almost exclusively for high-valued perennial crops, but improvement in system longevity and the introduction of innovative designs are allowing both large and small-scale producers in both industrialized and developing countries to begin to use microirrigation for a wide range of crops including field crops. The first 2 sections describe the remarkable advances achieved in microirrigation design, operation, and management since 1986, while providing the necessary historical and theoretical background necessary for successful implementation of these systems. The third section of the book covers the design and management considerations for the four major types of microirrigation, surface drip, subsurface drip, bubbler and microsprinkler. Microirrigation, the slow and targeted application of irrigation water to prescribed soil volumes has became synonymous with modern and efficient irrigation practices that conserve and protect precious water resources and maximize plant performance. Continuing research and development have improved emitter design, system design and installation, water filtration and treatment, and system and crop management since the publication of the book, Trickle Irrigation for Crop Production in 1986. Also, improved reliability of computers and data acquisition and processing has widened the application of automated control to microirrigation and led to broad acceptance in both large and small commercial field operations. Traditionally, microirrigation has been used almost exclusively for high-valued perennial crops, but improvement in system longevity and the introduction of innovative designs are allowing both large and small-scale producers in both industrialized and developing countries to begin to use microirrigation for a wide range of crops including field crops. The first 2 sections describe the remarkable advances achieved in microirrigation design, operation, and management since 1986, while providing the necessary historical and theoretical background necessary for successful implementation of these systems. The third section of the book covers the design and management considerations for the four major types of microirrigation, surface drip, subsurface drip, bubbler and microsprinkler.

Technical Abstract: This book summarizes the advancements made in the design, operation, and management of microirrigation systems since the publication of Trickle Irrigation for Crop Production in 1986. There are a total of 15 chapters in the book which has been divided into three sections. The first section covers "Microirrigation Theory and Design Principles". Included in this section are chapters on soil water concepts, irrigation scheduling, salinity management, general design principles applicable to all microirrigation systems, and economics of microirrigation. The second section covers "Operation and Maintenance Principles" and includes chapters on system automation, application of chemicals, application of biological materials, field performance and evaluation, and system maintenance. The third section "System Type and Management Principles" provides individual chapters with detailed information on the design, installation and management of surface drip, subsurface drip, bubbler and microsprinkler systems.