Plant and Irrigation Water Requirements (Rev) (Chapter V)

Jensen, Marvin E. (1969) Plant and Irrigation Water Requirements (Rev) (Chapter V). In: Pair, Claude H., (ed.) Sprinkler Irrigation (3rd Edition). pp. 94-118. Sprinkler Irrigation Assn., Washington, D. C.

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Abstract

The primary purpose of irrigation is to provide a soil environment
that will permit the germination of seeds, emergence of seedlings,
the development of the root system, and supply water for plant use.
Soil moisture must be maintained in a range that permits absorption
of water by plant roots at a rate comparable to transpiration losses,
and the soluble salt content in the root zone must not limit plant
growth and water absorption. These are the important factors to be
considered in evaluating "plant water requirements." Other factors
may be involved, such as: The maintenance of a suitable soil moisture
content that will not limit soil aeration, maintenance of a favorable
soil temperature range for better quality crops, prevention of injury
to young seedlings planted in arid climates.

The planner and operator of sprinkler irrigation systems must know
both the seasonal and peak irrigation water requirements for the
crops that will be raised on a field, farm, or project in order to design
and prescribe operational procedures for a sprinkler system that will
provide moisture to the soil and plant for optimum production of
quality crops. Seasonal evapotranspiration water requirements are
the basis for determining the total water requirements and the irrigation
water requirements of a crop, field, farm or project. For efficient
irrigation, the variation in water use by a crop from emergence to
harvest should be known by the operator.

Item Type:	Book Section
NWISRL Publication Number:	0169
Additional Information:	See NWISRL Publication #186. Claude H. Pair actually Editor-in-Chief
Subjects:	Mass Import - unclassified
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:54
Last Modified:	07 Mar 2017 23:12
Item ID:	743
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/743