Mechanisms by which surge irrigation reduces furrow infiltration rates in a silty loam soil

SURGE irrigation, the intermittent supply of water to furrows or borders, generally reduces infiltration rates. However, the degree of infiltration reduction is variable and difficult to predict. Mechanisms by which surge irrigation reduces infiltration rates include (a) consolidation of the furrow perimeter due to increased soil water tension during flow interruptions, (b) filling of cracks which develop during flow interruptions with bed load during the following surge, (c) forced settlement of suspended sediment on the furrow perimeter when the water supply is interrupted, and (d) greater sediment detachment and movement caused by more rapid advance of the surged stream front