/AnMtgsAbsts2009.55493 Optimization of Zone Leaching for Salinity Control in Arid and Semiarid Regions.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Convention Center, Exhibit Hall BC, Second Floor

Muhammad S. Mirjat, Department of Irrigation & Drainage, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan and Markus Tuller, Department of Soil, Water & Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Abstract:
Flood irrigation in conjunction with subsurface drainage is a commonly applied method for leaching excess salts from agricultural soils in arid and semiarid regions. We applied HYDRUS to optimize a zone leaching procedure, where partial ponding is applied rather than flooding of the entire area. Model simulations compare favorably with measurements conducted in Hele-Shaw cells. Results clearly demonstrate that partial ponding is more efficient than complete ponding, thereby conserving valuable water resources.