Information
Estimation of infiltration and deep drainage in a furrow irrigated sodic duplex soil
Level 1 General description
Purpose:
The objective of this study was to provide an estimate of infiltration and deep drainage fluxes in a furrow irrigated soil by applying simple models to readily measured parameters. These parameters include soil and irrigation water (CI), irrigation water applied and runoff, furrow geometry and irrigation water advance.
Methods (brief)
A solute mass balance model and a furrow irrigation advance model were applied to a newly cleared sodic duplex soil from the Burdekin River Irrigation Area. The study site was sown to consecutive furrow-irrigated crops after clearing. Soil and irrigation water chloride, irrigation water applied, furrow geometry and irrigation advance were measured in order to apply the models.
Key findings (brief)
Estimated infiltration and deep drainage decreased with distance down the furrow from 1044 and 98 mm year-1 at 50 m to 966 and 0 mm year-1 at 260 m.
The results indicate the usefulness of applying irrigation advance and mass balance models to estimate infiltration and deep drainage fluxes and so provide a basis for assessing aspects of irrigation design and perhaps irrigation application on these soils.
Location
Data was collected on the Gaynor research site, 24km south west of Home Hill, north Queensland. The site is located within the Burdekin River Irrigation Area, north Queensland.
Related studies
Dowling AJ, and Elliot PJ. (1988). Chloride leaching in a newly irrigated sodic duplex soil from the Burkekin River Irrigation Area. Qld J. Agric Anim. Sci. 45: 89-96.
Elliot PJ and McDonald WJ. (1987). Gaynor research site. 1. Progress report- Wet season 1985-86. Qld Dept Prim. Ind., Unpub. Re RQT87005.