Crop Residue Effects on Surge Furrow Irrigation Hydraulics

Abstract

ABSTRACT CROP residues in irrigation furrows reduce soil erosion caused by flowing water, increase infiltration rates and decrease irrigation uniformity. Data were collected in 1982, 1983 and 1984 in South Central Washington on the rate of advance in furrows containing various levels of crop residue. Continuous and surged flow furrow irrigation methods were also compared for application uniformity. The amount of crop residue affected the rate of advance. Continous and surge furrow streams advanced at approximately the same rates (in terms of elapsed clock time) for each residue level. Surge irrigation reduced infiltrated depths along the length of the furrow compared to the continuous flow treatments with the same residue levels. Because of the increased uniformity of application under various levels of crop residues, surge flow is preferable to continuous flow furrow irrigation.