Spatial and temporal characterization of water and solute distribution patterns

Authors

  • Claudinei Fonseca Souza UFSCar; CCA; Depto. de Recursos Naturais e Proteção Ambiental
  • Marcos Vinícius Folegatti USP; ESALQ; Depto. de Engenharia de Biossistemas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-90162010000100002

Keywords:

TDR, drip irrigation, wetted soil volume

Abstract

The use of drip irrigation and marginal water is growing rapidly in some areas, highlighting the need to develop sound fertigation practices that combine environmental and crop production concerns. In this study the spatial and temporal water and solute distribution patterns are characterized to underpin fertirrigation design and management systems. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes were used to monitor the distributions of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and water from drippers discharging at a constant flow rate of 4 L h-1 in soil-filled containers. In the interactions between the different profiles, a gradient distribution of the solution in the soil was observed, with greater storage of solution close to the dripper, which decreased gradually as it approached the wetting front. To reduce leaching of fertigated ions, the frequent application of small amounts of solution during irrigation is recommended.

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Published

2010-02-01

Issue

Section

Agricultural Engineering

How to Cite

Spatial and temporal characterization of water and solute distribution patterns . (2010). Scientia Agricola, 67(1), 09-15. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-90162010000100002