Erosion: Irrigation-induced

Soil can be eroded by sprinkler or surface irrigation. Once sprinkler droplet kinetic energy detaches soil, overland flow transports the sediment downslope and off-site. Protecting the soil surface, increasing sprinkler wetted diameters, and tilling to increase infiltration and thereby lessen overland flow are effective control measures. Runoff minimization and management are key to reducing erosion induced by either sprinkler or surface irrigation. Slowing furrow stream velocities with mulch or crop residues reduces the flow’s hydraulic shear and, in turn, detachment of soil from furrow wetted perimeters. Stabilizing surface soil with, for example, polyacrylamide, bio-polymers, or whey keeps soil in place and helps maintains acceptable water quality in nearby surface wate