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Recycling Irrigation Reservoir Stratification and Implications for Crop Health and Production
Author(s) -
Zhang Haibo,
Richardson Patricia A.,
Belayneh Bruk E.,
Ristvey Andrew,
LeaCox John,
Copes Warren E.,
Moorman Gary W.,
Hong Chuanxue
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
jawra journal of the american water resources association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.957
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1752-1688
pISSN - 1093-474X
DOI - 10.1111/1752-1688.12411
Subject(s) - stratification (seeds) , environmental science , thermal stratification , irrigation , water column , water quality , ecosystem , hydrology (agriculture) , ecology , oceanography , agronomy , geology , thermal energy storage , biology , dormancy , seed dormancy , germination , geotechnical engineering
Recycling irrigation reservoirs ( RIR s) are an emerging aquatic ecosystem and water resource of global significance. This study investigated the vertical distribution of water temperature, dissolved oxygen ( DO ), and pH in eight RIR s at two nurseries each in Virginia and Maryland from 2011 to 2014. Monomictic thermal stratification was observed from April to October in all RIR s, despite their shallow depths (0.75‐3.89 m). The strongest stratification had a top‐bottom temperature difference of 21.53°C. The top‐bottom temperature difference was positively correlated with water column depth, air temperature, and daily light integral ( p < 0.05). Wind speed did not impact the thermal stratification, likely due to their relatively small surface areas. Thermal stratification affected the vertical distribution of DO and pH . The top‐bottom differences in DO and pH were greater during stratification periods than nonstratification periods. Water pH in all RIR s was higher at the top than at the bottom with the greatest difference of 4.16 units. Discovery and characterization of thermal stratification in RIR s helps understand water quality dynamics in this novel ecosystem and promote safe and productive water reuse for irrigation. Specifically, water withdrawal depths should be adjusted according to variations in temperature, DO , and pH during the stratification and nonstratification periods to mitigate pathogen risk and improve water treatment efficacy and crop production.