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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Kimberly, Idaho » Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #59776
Title: FUTURE ARS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMS FOR IRRIGATION-INDUCEDEROSION

Author
item Bucks, Dale
item Carter, David
item Kemper, William

Submitted to: Irrigation-Induced Erosion & Water Quality National Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/31/1992
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The ARS has been heavily involved in research on irrigation-induced erosion for the past two decades. Researchers have determined sediment losses and their impacts on crop production potential and have developed extensive control technology to reduce irrigation-induced erosion. Selected modifications are being made in the Water Erosion Prediction Program (WEPP) to estimate erosion and deposition caused by irrigation. Research in the 1970s was aimed mostly at preventing sediment loss into rivers and streams in response to the enactment of P.L. 92-500 in 1972. Research in the 1980s and early 1990s has provided technology that when applied can nearly eliminate irrigation-induced erosion. Recent research results suggest that conservation tillage cropping sequences not only reduce erosion and sediment loss, but can also increase net farmer income. Amendments such as straw, manure, polymers, and whey provide a means of erosion control during years when little crop residue remains. A continuing challenge is to transfer this technology to the irrigators. ARS is committed to developing and evaluating new control technology and to working with other agencies to assure that the technology transfer is accomplished.