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High‐frequency Irrigation for Water Nutrient Management in Humid Regions
Author(s) -
Phene C. J.,
Beale O. W.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1976.03615995004000030034x
Subject(s) - environmental science , irrigation , agronomy , nutrient , drip irrigation , soil water , fertilizer , water potential , soil horizon , evapotranspiration , hydrology (agriculture) , soil science , biology , geology , ecology , geotechnical engineering
A water‐nutrient management method was designed to prevent plant‐water and nutrient stresses while maximizing the available soil water storage to accommodate rainfall. This method minimized the need for the soil as a storage reservoir for water and nutrients by frequently irrigating a portion of the root zone with small amounts of water and nutrients. The optimal range of soil matric potential, based on soil oxygen diffusion rate, soil strength, water desorption characteristics, and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was used to determine high‐frequency irrigation criteria for sweet corn ( Zea mays L.). Trickle‐irrigated plots yielded 12 and 14% more corn than did the furrow‐ and sprinkler‐irrigated plots. When fertilizers were broadcast and banded, soil NO 3 ‐N profiles measured near the end of the growing season showed that, compared to furrow and sprinkler irrigation, trickle irrigation reduced NO 3 ‐N losses from the root zone. Optimal ear yield was produced with high‐frequency trickle irrigation when the soil matric potential at the 15‐cm soil depth was controlled at about −0.2 bar and plants were fertilized with 168 kg/ha each of N and K. Ear yield for this treatment was 66% higher than that for nonirrigated corn fertilized at the same rate. Soil NO 3 ‐N did not accumulate in the profile with depth and time in plots fertilized at the 168‐kg/ha rate, but did accumulate in plots fertilized with 336 kg/ha. Generally, plots trickle‐irrigated with fertilizer solution had a higher soil NO 3 ‐N content on the row than 50 cm from the row. The results of this research indicate that water use efficiency, N‐use efficiency, and N leaching can be controlled in sandy soils when N and K are applied with high‐frequency trickle irrigation systems and N and K rates are adjusted to maintain an optimal N‐level in corn plants.