Phosphorus Associated With Sediments in Irrigation and Drainage Waters for Two Large Tracts in Southern Idaho

Carter, D.L. and Brown, M.J. and Robbins, C.W. and Bondurant, J.A. (1974) Phosphorus Associated With Sediments in Irrigation and Drainage Waters for Two Large Tracts in Southern Idaho. Journal of Environment Quality. 3(3):287-291.

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Abstract

Phosphorus was measured in irrigation and surface drainage
waters for two large irrigation tracts, and inorganic, water-soluble
PO₄-P and total P inputs and outputs were computed. The present
irrigation practices on both irrigation tracts conserve P by removing
more P from the Snake River in irrigation water than is returned in
drainage water. Even greater P conservation could be attained by
implementing new practices. Approximately 90% of the P in
waters diverted to irrigate the Northside Tract remained in the
tract. About 50% of the amount diverted remained in the Twin
Falls Tract. Particle size segregation takes place in some drainage
streams and the finer sediments returning to the river contain higher
total and NaHCO₃-extractable P concentrations than the soils
from which they were eroded. The importance of defining sampling
methods and procedures for P analyses is illustrated by comparative
data on irrigation and drainage waters. The PO₄-P concentration
in samples filtered through a 0.45 µm membrane filter
was independent of the sediment concentration in waters, whereas
the total P concentration of unfiltered samples was proportional to
the sediment concentration.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	0286
Subjects:	Irrigation > Furrow irrigation > Drainage water (see Percolation water) Irrigation > Furrow irrigation > Runoff losses > Sediment Mass Import - autoclassified (may be erroneous)
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:51
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2017 21:13
Item ID:	259
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/259