Management Guidelines for Controlling Sediments, Nutrients, and Adsorbed Biocides in Surface Irrigation Return Flows

Carter, D.L. and Bondurant, J.A. (1977) Management Guidelines for Controlling Sediments, Nutrients, and Adsorbed Biocides in Surface Irrigation Return Flows. pp. 143-152. In: Proc. EPA Natl. Conf. Irrig. Return Flow Qual. Manage. USA-CO-Fort Collins, 1977/05/16-19.

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Abstract

Sediments in irrigation return flows arise
mostly from furrow erosion, and nearly all
nutrients and biocides in surface irrigation
return flows, except those applied directly to the
water, are adsorbed to the sediments. Therefore,
controlling erosion and sediment loss in these
surface return flows also controls the nutrients
and biocides. There are three general management
approaches for controlling sediments in
return flows. The first is to eliminate surface
runoff by using irrigation methods that produce
no runoff. These methods include properly
designed and operated sprinkler systems; basin,
trickle, and some border and level furrow
methods. The second approach is to eliminate or
reduce erosion by controlling the slope in the
direction of irrigation, the furrow stream size,
the run length, the irrigation frequency and
duration, and tillage practices. The third is to
remove sediments from surface return flows by
controlling the tailwater and utilizing sediment
retention basins. All three approaches are
applicable and necessary for adequate control
in most irrigated areas. Available technology
needs to be integrated and applied to these
approaches. Research to develop improved
irrigation systems and methods, improved
irrigation water distribution systems, and
better field management practices, and
research on design and operational criteria for
sediment retention basins are needed.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
NWISRL Publication Number:	0400
Additional Information:	Invited paper
Subjects:	Irrigation > Furrow irrigation > Runoff losses > Sediment Mass Import - autoclassified (may be erroneous)
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:56
Last Modified:	02 Feb 2017 22:34
Item ID:	1006
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/1006